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 |