The accuracy of The Emergency Severity Index Triage Score in Predicting Cardiac Events among Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients in The Emergency Department

Background The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage score is a widely used tool in emergency departments (EDs) to prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions. In the context of suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), accurate triage is crucial for timely intervention and optimal patient' outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of the ESI triage score in predicting cardiac events among suspected ACS patients in the ED. Design and Methods: A prospective correlational observational study design was performed in cardiac ED. Tools Three tools were utilized to collect data pertinent to the study: Tool l: Patients' assessment (patients sociodemographic characteristics, vital signs) Tool II: ESI triage score sheet. Tool III: major adverse cardiac events (MACE) incidence among studied patients within 30 days. Results: Patients were triaged as (42.5%) ESI score 1, (41.0%) as ESI score 2 and (16.5%) as ESI score 3. ESI score ≤ 1 had sensitivity and specificity, positive, negative predictive value, and area under the curve of 53.52% and 84.48%, 89.4%, 42.6%, and 0.704, respectively. Conclusion: This study concludes that the ESI triage scores have a moderate accuracy in predicting cardiac events among suspected ACS patients at the cardiac ED. The study recommended that the need for enhanced training and possibly integrating additional diagnostic tools or biomarkers to improve the ESI score's sensitivity and overall predictive accuracy. Reapply this research on a large sample size acquired from different geographical areas in Egypt.