2020 Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 48-51
Purpose: In Japan, the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) method is widely used during disasters. However, patients in the “green” category are often neglected, as their conditions are less urgent and less serious than others. Moreover, due to the large number of “green” category patients, the treatment and observation they receive are often insufficient. We examined the experiences of individuals affected by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake; identified how many “green” category patients were hospitalized; and investigated problems associated with in-hospital “green” category, as well as solutions to these problems. Subjects and Methods: The subjects were earthquake-affected patients admitted to the Kumamoto Red Cross Hospital between April 14 and 18, 2016 who underwent triage under medical supervision, and who were identified as “green” category patients. Patients’ outcomes and reasons for admission (endogenous versus exogenous complaints) were abstracted using triage tags, disaster medical records used by the hospital, and electronic medical records. Results: 921 patients were categorized “green” triage. Eleven “green” category patients (1.2%) were hospitalized. Most of these patients had endogenous complaints (8/11, 72.7%). Some patients were scheduled to leave the “green” category area and return home, but instead were hospitalized based on re-examination in the “Exiting Patient Waiting Area” established by the hospital. Conclusion: Disaster-affected individuals classified by START method as “green” category include patients who require inpatient treatment. To avoid overlooking these patients, it is effective to establish an “Exiting Patient Waiting Area” where final treatment checks can be conducted, overseen by a department devoted to managing patient exits.
