The Role Of Physicians In Reviewing And Correcting Triage Errors In Emergency Departments: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Triage errors in emergency departments (EDs) remain a global threat to patient safety and care efficiency. This systematic review critically synthesizes international evidence on physician involvement in identifying, reviewing, and correcting triage errors. A PRISMA-compliant review of studies (2015–2024) found that structured, physician-led interventions—ranging from real-time consultation to audit-feedback loops—consistently reduced error rates (10–37%), improved patient outcomes, and enhanced multidisciplinary teamwork. Comparative analysis revealed that multidisciplinary and technology-supported models, when overseen by physicians, outperform ad-hoc approaches. Robust physician leadership is indispensable for high-fidelity triage. Structured protocols and ongoing training are recommended for all emergency care settings.