Table 2 Evaluation of scientific evidence of fast track according to GRADE.
From: A systematic review of triage-related interventions to improve patient flow in emergency departments
Outcome measures | Number of patients (number of studies) | Study design | Outcome*, median (min-max) | Scientific evidence according to GRADE | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Waiting time (shorter) | >90 000 (9 studies) | 1 RCT 8 observational studies | 24.5 (2-51) min | Moderately strong ⊕⊕⊕ | Upgraded because of outcome size and concordance of data |
Length of stay (shorter) | >100 000 (10 studies) | 2 RCT 8 observational studies | 27 (4-74) min | Moderately strong ⊕⊕⊕ | Upgraded because of outcome size and concordance of data |
Number of patients leaving ED without being seen by a physician (fewer) | >90 000 (5 studies) | No RCT 5 observational studies | 3.1 (0.2-4.1) percent | Moderately strong ⊕⊕⊕ | Upgraded because of outcome size and concordance of data |
Patient satisfaction (increased) | 447 (2 studies) | 1 RCT 1 observational study | - | Insufficient ⊕ | Downgraded because of study quality, imprecise data and low reproducibility |