What factors might lead to over-triage?

Over-triage occurs when patients are assigned a higher priority than their actual medical need, which can lead to an inefficient use of resources and potentially delay care for those who need it most. A significant factor that contributes to over-triage is fear and misinterpretation of symptoms. When individuals are uncertain or anxious about their condition or the severity of symptoms, they may perceive them as more critical than they actually are. This heightened anxiety can lead to an inappropriate assessment of urgency, resulting in patients being triaged as high priority even when they do not require immediate intervention.

In contrast, high levels of experience typically lead to more accurate triage decisions, as experienced practitioners can more effectively evaluate clinical presentations and prioritize accordingly. Effective communication protocols facilitate clarity and understanding among medical personnel, which also aids in accurate triage decisions. Lastly, the availability of resources can influence decisions, but it's not a direct factor that causes over-triage; rather, it often affects overall triage and care delivery efficiency. Thus, misinterpretation of symptoms due to fear is a critical driver of over-triage, as individuals or first responders might not accurately assess the situation, leading to unnecessary escalations in treatment priority.