Assessment of Triage Knowledge and Practice Among Nurses in the Emergency Department of Lagos Island General Hospital

Background: Effective triage in emergency departments is pivotal for prioritising care and preventing preventable deaths. Standardised triage training and protocols remain inconsistent across Nigerian emergency departments. Aim: This study assessed triage knowledge and practice among nurses in the emergency department of Lagos Island General Hospital, South West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design recruited 70 emergency nurses through total enumeration. A structured questionnaire and simulated triage scenario assessment tool were used. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Adequate triage knowledge was demonstrated by 61% of nurses, yet correct triage decision-making in simulated scenarios was achieved by only 45%. Critical triage errors were most common in paediatric and chest pain presentations. Nurses with at least five years of emergency experience showed superior accuracy. Conclusion: Triage practice is significantly below expected standards among emergency nurses. Implementation of the South African Triage Scale or the Manchester Triage System, combined with regular simulation training and competency assessments, is recommended for Nigerian emergency nursing units. Keywords: triage, emergency nursing, knowledge, Lagos, emergency department.