Dissertation
Implementation of a Triage Algorithm Process in Urgent Care
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
Abstract
Background: Urgent care centers increasingly manage patients with varying levels of acuity; however, many lack standardized triage processes. There was a 119% increase in urgent care visits alone between 2008 and 2015 (Bijani and Khaleghi, 2019). The absence of structured triage may contribute to prolonged wait times, workflow inefficiencies, and potential patient safety risks. Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project was to implement a standardized triage algorithm in an urgent care setting to improve nurse triage comprehension, reduce patient triage wait times, and enhance patient satisfaction. Methods: A quality improvement project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework was implemented at a single urgent care clinic in Iowa. Registered nurses received formal education on a standardized triage algorithm. Data was collected pre- and post-implementation (August-November 2024/2025), including nurse triage knowledge scores, average door-to-triage times, and patient satisfaction scores. Statistical analysis included paired-sample t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes. Findings: Following implementation, nurse triage comprehension significantly improved, with all remaining nurses scoring 100% on post-education assessments at three months. Average triage time decreased from 23.01 minutes pre-implementation to 11.04 minutes post-implementation, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction (p < .001). Patient satisfaction scores showed a steady upward trend throughout the post-implementation period (74.1 pre, 74.6, 75.5, 77.3, 77.9). Discussion: Implementation of a standardized triage algorithm in urgent care significantly reduced triage wait times, improved nurse competency, and demonstrated positive trends in patient satisfaction. These findings support the use of structured triage processes in urgent care settings to promote patient safety and operational efficiency.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Implementation of a Triage Algorithm Process in Urgent Care
- Creators
- Hayley Sytsma - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Theresa Judge-Ellis (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2026
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2026 Hayley Sytsma
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9985217822302771
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