Triage and Prioritization of Emergency Surgical Cases at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital: A Practice Evaluation

Effective triage and surgical prioritization are essential for optimizing outcomes in high-volume emergency surgical settings. Poorly structured triage systems contribute to adverse outcomes including preventable mortality. This study evaluates the triage practices and emergency surgical case prioritization system at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano State, North West Nigeria, in 2022 to 2023. A prospective observational study with concurrent staff survey was conducted. One hundred and twenty emergency surgical cases were observed from arrival to first surgical decision, with time intervals and priority classifications documented. Forty emergency room and surgical staff completed a structured assessment of knowledge and attitudes toward triage. Adherence to a standardized triage protocol was demonstrated in only 41% of cases. Mean time from emergency department arrival to surgical consultation was 3.2 hours, with significant delays attributed to incomplete triage documentation and competing priorities. Staff knowledge of triage classification systems was inconsistent, particularly among junior doctors. The study recommends the adoption of a formal Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage system, mandatory triage training for all emergency and surgical staff, and dedicated emergency surgical assessment areas at AKTH. Implementing these measures would improve patient flow and reduce time-to-surgery for life-threatening conditions in North West Nigeria. Keywords: emergency triage, surgical prioritization, AKTH Kano, emergency surgery, patient safety