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Comparison of body mass index level by triage level in the emergency department
, 2, 3
Affiliations- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Health Science Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
- Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Emergency Department, Istanbul, Turkey
- Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Emergency Department, Istanbul, Turkey
open access
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a high cause of death in both non-communicable and communicable diseases such as COVID-19. The aim of this study is to increase the awareness of emergency department (ED) managers and employees about this problem by showing obesity rates according to triage level in patients admitted to the ED.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: BMI levels and complaints of 1246 patients admitted to the ED according to the 3-level triage were re-evaluated with the 5-level ESI (Emergency Severity Index) triage for this study.
RESULTS: The mean BMI of 1246 patients was found to be 27.25 ± 5.88 (overweight). 26% of the ED patients were found to be obese and 37.7% of them were overweight. While the mean BMI score of the 6–11 age group was found to be class 1 obesity, the other pediatric and adult age groups were found to be overweight. The highest mean BMI according to both the 3-stage triage system and the 5-stage ESI triage system was found in triage 1 patients (28.8011 ± 7.98; 28.18 ± 6.78, respectively). Obese patients mostly applied to the ED with orthopedic problems and trauma (26.5%). Also, of the patients with class 3 severe obesity, 50% presented with trauma.
CONCLUSIONS: The higher the BMI, the higher the triage severity level. BMI levels should be evaluated in the field of triage together with vital signs, especially in trauma patients, and obesity should be considered in ED and hospital management.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a high cause of death in both non-communicable and communicable diseases such as COVID-19. The aim of this study is to increase the awareness of emergency department (ED) managers and employees about this problem by showing obesity rates according to triage level in patients admitted to the ED.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: BMI levels and complaints of 1246 patients admitted to the ED according to the 3-level triage were re-evaluated with the 5-level ESI (Emergency Severity Index) triage for this study.
RESULTS: The mean BMI of 1246 patients was found to be 27.25 ± 5.88 (overweight). 26% of the ED patients were found to be obese and 37.7% of them were overweight. While the mean BMI score of the 6–11 age group was found to be class 1 obesity, the other pediatric and adult age groups were found to be overweight. The highest mean BMI according to both the 3-stage triage system and the 5-stage ESI triage system was found in triage 1 patients (28.8011 ± 7.98; 28.18 ± 6.78, respectively). Obese patients mostly applied to the ED with orthopedic problems and trauma (26.5%). Also, of the patients with class 3 severe obesity, 50% presented with trauma.
CONCLUSIONS: The higher the BMI, the higher the triage severity level. BMI levels should be evaluated in the field of triage together with vital signs, especially in trauma patients, and obesity should be considered in ED and hospital management.
Keywords
BMI; obesity; triage; emergency department
About this articleTitle
Comparison of body mass index level by triage level in the emergency department
Journal
Disaster and Emergency Medicine Journal
Issue
Article type
Research paper
Pages
10-20
Published online
2023-03-16
Page views
2200
Article views/downloads
276
DOI
Bibliographic record
Disaster Emerg Med J 2023;8(1):10-20.
Keywords
BMI
obesity
triage
emergency department
Authors
Doğaç Niyazi Özüçelik
Serkan Doğan
Serap Çelik
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