{
  "abstract": "Introduction While triage systems are meant to identify high-acuity patients and minimize their time to intervention, the demand for emergent care often overwhelms existing triage capabilities. Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding is an increasing problem worldwide and has been identified as a key determinant of patient experience and care. Despite the potential benefits to both patients and EDs, there is limited evidence addressing the efficacy of patient-driven triage systems. As such, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the existing literature on patient self-triage and assess the feasibility and accuracy of its implementation.Methods A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Academic Search Complete up to March 10 th, 2025 according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were screened by two authors using Covidence, and quantitative and qualitative data were extracted. Qualitative data regarding sensitivity and specificity of self-triage measures were transformed into diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) using R (v4.0.2), and combined effect size was computed using Comprehensive Meta Analysis (v4.0). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and an Egger’s regression analysis.Results A total of 15 publications were identified for inclusion for systematic review. Of these, 12 provided sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis, presented in, figure 1. The pooled effect size was not statistically significant (DOR = 3.951, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.955–16.345, p = 0.058), reflecting the substantial variability in triage methodology employed in emergency settings. Considerable heterogeneity between studies was observed (I2 = 99.588%). While the funnel plot for publication bias suggested asymmetry in the data, a subsequent Egger’s regression indicated the absence of publication bias (p = 0.159).Abstract #33 Figure 1Meta-analysis of the diagnostic odds ratio for studies included in quantitative analysisConclusion Self-triage systems have the potential to be valuable tools to improve ED crowding by diverting low-acuity patients, decreasing time to intervention, and increasing patient agency. The wide variety of triage methods currently in use and diversity of patient presentations in emergency settings likely contribute to the heterogeneity of existing data. Further research should be conducted to optimize accuracy and generalizability of self-triage scales, as well as their application in time-sensitive presentations. *presenting author",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University College Cork, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Shobha Mehta"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University College Cork, Ireland",
        "Cork University Hospital, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Conor Deasy"
    }
  ],
  "title": "#33 The feasibility and accuracy of patient self-triage in emergency settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis",
  "uid": "1d3c682e-1968-59fe-bb41-ed7da74ba04d"
}