O PAPEL CRUCIAL DA TRIAGEM E CLASSIFICAÇÃO DE RISCO: OTIMIZANDO O ATENDIMENTO EM CENÁRIOS DE URGÊNCIA E EMERGÊNCIA

Abstract

Efficiency in pre-hospital care is crucial to ensure safety and quality of care in urgent and emergency situations. In scenarios where time is vital, the use of screening and risk classification protocols, such as the Manchester Protocol and the START Method, becomes essential. These protocols help to quickly identify the severity of patients' conditions, prioritizing those who require immediate intervention. The adoption of these methods is essential to optimize patient flow and ensure a quick and effective response in critical situations. This study carried out an integrative literature review to analyze the application of screening and risk classification protocols, focusing on the Manchester Protocol and the START Method, in urgent and emergency services in Brazil. The search was conducted in recognized electronic databases, such as PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and Cochrane Library. Articles published in the last ten years, available in Portuguese, English and Spanish, that addressed the practical application of these protocols were included. The selection of studies was made based on inclusion criteria that guaranteed the quality and relevance of the articles analyzed. The literature review showed that the Manchester Protocol is widely used in urgent and emergency services in Brazil, contributing significantly to efficient care. The standardization of screening criteria allows for faster and more accurate assessment of patients, reducing waiting times and optimizing available resources. The START Method, in turn, has proven to be particularly effective in mass disaster and emergency situations, where rapid and efficient triage is crucial. However, the effectiveness of these protocols strongly depends on the ongoing training and training of health professionals, as well as adaptation to local needs. The effective implementation of screening and risk classification protocols is essential to ensure that patients in the most critical conditions are treated with the necessary urgency. The Manchester Protocol and the START Method are fundamental for the efficient management of resources and the organization of patient flow, contributing to reducing waiting times and improving clinical outcomes. The continuous training of health professionals and the adaptation of protocols to local realities are essential to ensure the effectiveness of these systems.