The importance of interdepartmental collaboration and safe triage for pregnant women in the emergency department

Abstract

Pregnant women who present to the emergency department can present challenges that range from the diagnoses of unsuspected pregnancies to the determination of where evaluations should occur. In this review we identify literature associated with the triage of pregnant women in the emergency department and propose a model for triage and evaluation of pregnant women in the emergency department. Strategies are described to facilitate interdepartmental communication to optimize safe maternal/fetal care.

Keywords: emergency department; interdepartmental collaboration; interprofessional care; obstetric triage; patient safety.