Review of the triage literature: Past, present, future?

Abstract Today the triage role is pivotal in determining patient safety and flow throughout emergency departments (EDs). The expectations of the triage role have been significantly influenced by historical and social developments in health care. Changes in health care have positioned the nurse in the triage role and have determined role performance. The articulation of the nursing role, knowledge and work has been difficult and we have struggled at times to capture its precise meaning given its diverse nature. The triage role is difficult to explore given the emotionally charged environment that is loaded with uncertainty and illness diversity. To understand the nature and complexity of the triage role a literature review was conducted. An extensive literature review was performed using conventional keyword searches of electronic databases along with a manual search of journals, bibliographies, reference lists, government reports and conference proceedings. Crystallising contemporary nursing roles has become critical given the changing nature of health care and increasing pressure to articulate nursing's contribution. This paper will explore triage nursing development and the research focus of current literature, while proposing the need for alternative ways to view and explore contemporary nursing roles.