Effect of triage nurse-led application of the Ottawa Ankle Rules on number of radiographic tests and length of stay in selected emergency departments in Oman

Aim Ankle injuries are commonly seen in the emergency department (ED) and contribute to overcrowding. In Oman, injuries are a leading cause of years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years, and pose a burden to the healthcare system. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ED triage nurse-led application of the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OARs) toward improving the healthcare outcomes of ankle injury patients. Methods A quasi-experimental design was used to collect data (demographic characteristics, waiting time, length of stay, and number of radiographic tests) from 96 patients. The intervention group (n = 46) received ED triage nurse-led assessment and initiation of radiographic tests based on the OARs. The control group (n = 50) received usual care. Results The participants' mean age was 26.4 +/- 7.90 years. The main causes of ankle injuries were football (36%), falls (31%) and twisting while walking (24%). There was a significant difference in number of ankle X-rays (t = 6.19; p < .001); length of stay (U = 549; p < .001); and waiting time (U = 167; p < .001) between the control and intervention group. The intervention reduced the mean waiting time and length of stay by 25.09 and 41.01 min, respectively. Conclusion Application of the OARs by the ED triage nurse can decrease the number of unnecessary radiographic tests, waiting time and length of stay in the ED. Nurses' utilization of evidence-based clinical decision-making tools can improve ED care outcomes of common acute conditions such as ankle injuries.