Assessment of Obstetric Triage Systems at Federal Medical Centres in the South South Zone

Effective obstetric triage is critical for identifying and prioritising women with urgent pregnancy complications, reducing delays in emergency care, and preventing preventable maternal deaths in Nigerian tertiary facilities. This study assesses the structure, process, and outcomes of obstetric triage at Federal Medical Centres in the South South geopolitical zone, covering FMC Asaba, FMC Yenagoa, and FMC Calabar. A facility assessment tool examining triage space, trained triage personnel, acuity classification tools, vital signs equipment, documentation, and triage-to-care intervals was applied. Retrospective review of 150 emergency obstetric admissions supplemented the facility assessment. A validated triage acuity assessment tool was unavailable in all three centres, with nurse-based subjective prioritisation the universal approach. Triage-to-physician assessment interval exceeded 30 minutes in 62 percent of emergencies at all facilities. Pre-eclampsia and obstetric haemorrhage cases were the most commonly undertriaged categories. Dedicated obstetric triage spaces were available in only one of three centres. Professional recommendations include adoption of a validated obstetric triage tool such as the SALT or BSOTS system, designation of dedicated triage areas, triage nurse training, and prospective triage outcome monitoring at all three FMC South South facilities. Keywords: obstetric triage, emergency obstetric care, South South Nigeria, maternal safety, Federal Medical Centre