E-ISSN 1658-7820
 

Review Article
Online Published: 25 Jan 2026
 


Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review

Muath Badr Alawad, Ahmed Sulaiman Alasqah, Lamees Abdulaziz Algubllan, Razan Jadid Alanazi, Salman Khaled Almutairi, Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsuhaibani.


Abstract
The emergency department (ED) is an acute care facility that provides immediate medical help. The presentation of non-urgent patients increases the frequency of patients who need urgent care, beyond the department's ability to deliver care, leading to overcrowding of the ED. Overcrowding in ED leads to several consequences; therefore, triage systems (TSs) have been established to identify and prioritize cases with urgent conditions to receive suitable care. Nonetheless, there is no focus on literature on the effect of such systems on ED overcrowding. Hence, this review aimed to identify the effectiveness of rapid triage systems (RTSs) on ED crowding and other outcomes by reviewing the prior studies concerned with this subject. An exploration procedure through electronic scientific databases was adopted to obtain relevant articles by using related terms. The eligible articles were those focusing on RTSs, published after the year 2010, that compared at least two systems, available for full-text of original design, and written in the English language. Eight studies were in line with the selected criteria and were enrolled with a total of 727,923 patients. There were eight RTSs included. RTSs improved the mortality rate and reduced the adverse outcomes of the patients. Also, they reduced waiting times and length of stay, which might lead to a reduction in overcrowding of the ED.

Key words: Emergency department, overcrowding, rapid triage systems, outcomes, systematic review.


 
ARTICLE TOOLS
Abstract
PDF Fulltext
How to cite this articleHow to cite this article
Citation Tools
Related Records
 Articles by Muath Badr Alawad
Articles by Ahmed Sulaiman Alasqah
Articles by Lamees Abdulaziz Algubllan
Articles by Razan Jadid Alanazi
Articles by Salman Khaled Almutairi
Articles by Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsuhaibani
on Google
on Google Scholar


How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Alawad MB, Alasqah AS, Algubllan LA, Alanazi RJ, Almutairi SK, Alsuhaibani AA. Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review. IJMDC. Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673


Web Style

Alawad MB, Alasqah AS, Algubllan LA, Alanazi RJ, Almutairi SK, Alsuhaibani AA. Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review. https://www.ijmdc.com/?mno=299680 [Access: June 22, 2026]. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Alawad MB, Alasqah AS, Algubllan LA, Alanazi RJ, Almutairi SK, Alsuhaibani AA. Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review. IJMDC. Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Alawad MB, Alasqah AS, Algubllan LA, Alanazi RJ, Almutairi SK, Alsuhaibani AA. Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review. IJMDC, [cited June 22, 2026]; Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673



Harvard Style

Alawad, M. B., Alasqah, . A. S., Algubllan, . L. A., Alanazi, . R. J., Almutairi, . S. K. & Alsuhaibani, . A. A. (2025) Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review. IJMDC, Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673



Turabian Style

Alawad, Muath Badr, Ahmed Sulaiman Alasqah, Lamees Abdulaziz Algubllan, Razan Jadid Alanazi, Salman Khaled Almutairi, and Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsuhaibani. 2025. Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673



Chicago Style

Alawad, Muath Badr, Ahmed Sulaiman Alasqah, Lamees Abdulaziz Algubllan, Razan Jadid Alanazi, Salman Khaled Almutairi, and Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsuhaibani. "Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Alawad, Muath Badr, Ahmed Sulaiman Alasqah, Lamees Abdulaziz Algubllan, Razan Jadid Alanazi, Salman Khaled Almutairi, and Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsuhaibani. "Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. Web. 22 Jun 2026 doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Alawad, M. B., Alasqah, . A. S., Algubllan, . L. A., Alanazi, . R. J., Almutairi, . S. K. & Alsuhaibani, . A. A. (2025) Effectiveness of rapid triage systems on emergency department crowding and outcomes: a systematic review. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, Online First: 25 Jan, 2026. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1764190673





Most Viewed Articles
Most Accessed Articles

  • Marginal adaptation of fixed prosthodontics
    Shahad Mohammed Halawani, Sahar Amer Al-Harbi
    IJMDC. 2017; 1(2): 78-84
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.1.2.7

  • Parasites in central nervous system
    Amal Ahmed Mohamed, Asmaa Mohamed Mansour
    IJMDC. 2017; 1(2): 72-77
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.1.2.6

  • Non-diabetic retinopathy: a case report
    Hassan F. Alkwikbi, Nabil Mamon Abdelfattah, Haithem Mamon Abdelfattah
    IJMDC. 2017; 1(1): 33-37
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.1.1.6

  • Vitamin D deficiency among high school female students in Riyadh
    Sahar Mohsen Aldhafeeri, Fatemah Ibraheem Alrawaji, Abrar Mubarak Algharbi, Alanoud Abdullah Alhessan, Ayat Sami Qabaja, Ghaleah Abdulaziz Alnassar, Ghaliah Ofayn Alsulami, Mashael Belal Alrubaian, Norah Abdulaziz Alhatim, Salehah Salih Alotaibi, Zahra Ali Alkhamees
    IJMDC. 2017; 1(1): 18-23
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.1.1.4

  • Prognosis of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) after multiple events of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
    Baraa Faiez Rajab, Anwar Essa Alamrim, Ali Essa Alamri
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(5): 474-479
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1546551993

  • Most Downloaded
    Top Downloaded Articles

  • Perception and attitude of medical students towards trauma and orthopedic teaching: a cross-sectional study
    Nawaf Hameed Almohammadi, Faisal Ali Almesned, Atif Omar Alhawsah, Sami Aoudah Alahmari, Madloul Jassim Alshammari, Hamad Ali Alkhunayfir
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(6): 503-508
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1548706801

  • Anti-IL-17 markedly inhibited the in vitro granuloma induced by Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen.
    Asmaa Ezz, Irene S. Gmail, Fatma Elzahraa H. Salem, Rabab Salama, Soad Nady
    IJMDC. 2018; 2(January 2018): 38-46
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.2.1.7

  • Vitamin D deficiency among high school female students in Riyadh
    Sahar Mohsen Aldhafeeri, Fatemah Ibraheem Alrawaji, Abrar Mubarak Algharbi, Alanoud Abdullah Alhessan, Ayat Sami Qabaja, Ghaleah Abdulaziz Alnassar, Ghaliah Ofayn Alsulami, Mashael Belal Alrubaian, Norah Abdulaziz Alhatim, Salehah Salih Alotaibi, Zahra Ali Alkhamees
    IJMDC. 2017; 1(1): 18-23
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.1.1.4

  • Antibiotic Resistance Crisis
    Nuha Saad Mobarki, Buthaina Abdullah Almerabi, Ahmad Hattan Hattan
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(6): 561-564
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1549060699

  • Marginal adaptation of fixed prosthodontics
    Shahad Mohammed Halawani, Sahar Amer Al-Harbi
    IJMDC. 2017; 1(2): 78-84
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.1.2.7

  • Most Cited Articles
    Most Cited Articles

  • Antibiotic Resistance Crisis
    Nuha Saad Mobarki, Buthaina Abdullah Almerabi, Ahmad Hattan Hattan
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(6): 561-564
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1549060699
    Cited : 34 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among diabetes mellitus patients in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia
    AMohammed Elamin Mukrim, Nujud Muteb D. Alshammari, Wurud Muteb D. Alshammari, Maali Subhi T. Alshammari, Yousef Nasif R. Alshammari, Abdulaziz Sael M. Alshammari, Maisa Hamad F. Alanazi, Abdulelah Abdulrhman F. Alzammam, Muharib Mana M. Alshammari, Slwa Khaled Abu Asyah, Aseel Jamal Alzuhayri, Mushref Saeid Alshammari
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(3): 229-233
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1542576396
    Cited : 8 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination toward breast cancer among female students at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
    Abdullah Nasser Alomair, Dania Ghazi Felemban, Mohannad Sami Felemban, Jameel Abdullah Awadain, Ammar Saud Altowairqi, Nawaf Fawzan Alfawzan, Fatimah Mohammed Almazayen, Abdulrahman Jalwi Korkoman, Nawaf Saad Alrusayyis
    IJMDC. 2020; 4(2): 429-434
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1576668182
    Cited : 8 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Population awareness about rheumatoid arthritis in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia
    Ahmad Ali Hazzazi, Mohssen Hassen Ageeli, Ahmed Ali Muyidi, Abdulaziz Mohammad Abulgasim, Abdullah Ahmad Yateemi, Nabil Alhakami
    IJMDC. 2020; 4(3): 668-675
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1576010943
    Cited : 4 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Prevalence and factors associated with depression among health care workers in National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, KSA
    Noor Mohammad AlFahhad
    IJMDC. 2018; 2(September 2018): 92-96
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1526306040
    Cited : 4 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Effect of inter-pregnancy interval on pregnancy outcome: a prospective study at Fayoum, Egypt
    Eman M. Mahfouz, Naglaa A. El-Sherbiny, Wafaa Y. Abdel Wahed, Nashwa S. Hamed
    IJMDC. 2018; 2(May 2018): 38-44
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1520268317
    Cited : 4 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Diabetic neuropathy in Saudi Arabia: a comprehensive review for further actions
    Mohammad Mater Aljohani, Amjad Taj Karam, Ayman Abdulaziz Alamri, Mohammed Hamed Manfaloti, Hussain Abbas Alnakhli, Hatem Ahmed Shaqroon
    IJMDC. 2020; 4(11): 2008-2013
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1601343665
    Cited : 4 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Public Awareness of coronary artery disease risk factors in Qassim, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
    Abdullah Muzil Albadrani, Saleh Sulaiman Al-Ajlan, Abdullah Saer E. Alharbi, Abdulelah Saud Alharbi, Saif Mohammed Radhi Alharbi
    IJMDC. 2020; 4(3): 593-599
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1572217065
    Cited : 4 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Ischemic stroke: prevalence of modifiable risk factors in the Saudi population
    Muhannad Noor Alharbi, Atheer Khalid Alharbi, Mousa Atqan Alamri, Abdulmalik Ayedh Saad Alharthi, Abdulrahman Moneer Alqerafi, Mohamed Noor Alharbi
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(7): 601-603
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1548376707
    Cited : 3 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients, Taif City, Saudi Arabia
    Basel Saad Alzahrani, Turki Hamdan Alzidani, Abdullah Mohammed Alturkistani, Hani Abozaid
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(2): 167-172
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1541336905
    Cited : 3 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding thyroid disorders among Saudi people
    Assem Saleh Ali Almuzaini , Bayan ahmad I Alshareef , Sundos Hamoud O Alghamdi, Ayman Adnan Munshy, Abdulmajeed Khalid M. Aljarallah, Saud Abdulaziz A Salman, Khalid Saud Alroqi, Reem Dayel A Alkhaldi
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(12): 1070-1076
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1568037206
    Cited : 3 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to use of isotretinoin among Al-Madinah population, Saudi Arabia
    Amr Molla, Hassan Abdullah Alrizqi, Emtinan Mohammed Salem Alruhaili, Saad Abdullah Alrizqi, Arwa Musaad Alsubhi
    IJMDC. 2020; 4(1): 107-112
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1571752077
    Cited : 3 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Ethical considerations in doctors & pharmaceutical industries relationship: a narrative review
    Mohammed Saud Almasri, Yousef Rafat Bukhari, Bandar Saleh Alzuair, Mansour Khalid Almadi, Amro Khalid Bin Abdulrahman
    IJMDC. 2020; 4(1): 244-252
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1572794591
    Cited : 3 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Assessment of the knowledge of pregnant women regarding the effects of GDM on mothers and neonates at a Maternal and Children hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia
    Amina Abdo Salhi, Medical Intern, Majed Saeed Alshahrani, Maram Mohammed Alyamin, Waad Ahmed Hamdi, Sarah Raja Alyami, Albatool Saleh Almagbool, Nujoud Hamad Almoqati, Seham Hamad Almoqati, Esra'a Amer Nasser Al-Saaed, Hessa Salem Al Habes, Batool Mubarak Abdullah Alwdei, Ahlam Yhya Saeed Alyami, Wesal Ahmed Alassiri
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(4): 370-375
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1545817090
    Cited : 3 times [Click to see citing articles]

  • Awareness of the Saudi population about the role of the Emergency Rooms
    Zead Ibrahim A. Alhussain, Mohammed Ali A. Alghamdi, Rana Mohamed Ahmed, Abdullah Yahya Aldhban, Abdulrahman Ali Alghamdi, Naif Shalan J. Alalyani
    IJMDC. 2019; 3(11): 957-962
    » Abstract » doi: 10.24911/IJMDC.51-1568717752
    Cited : 3 times [Click to see citing articles]