A classification model for the telephonic triage of low acuity abdominal complaints in South Africa.

Cross-sectionalAfrican journal of emergency medicine : Revue africaine de la medecine d'urgence· Sep 2026

A classification model for the telephonic triage of low acuity abdominal complaints in South Africa.

F Binks, L A Wallis, W Stassen

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Prehospital & RetrievalCross-sectionalClinical practiceQ2IF 1.2

CHAID model classified abdominal complaints as low acuity with 90.4% accuracy.

A classification model for the telephonic triage of low acuity abdominal complaints in South Africa.

F Binks … W Stassen

African journal of emergency medicine · Sep 2026 · Q2 in Emergency Medicine

Background

Emergency medical services (emergency medical services) dispatch emergency resources according to the appropriate patient acuity, ensuring those in need of urgent care receive prompt attention.

Purpose

The study aimed to identify variables that classified abdominal complaints as low acuity at dispatch.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on emergency medical services data.

Results

Model correctly classified call acuity in 90.4% of test cases overall.

92.1%

Sensitivity

50%

Specificity

More results

Of the 14 inputs, four were significant predictors, producing a decision tree with 11 nodes.

Mobility status was a strong predictor, with 93.3% of walking patients classified as low acuity.

More results

Apyrexia was more strongly associated with low acuity, and patients with no bleeding were more likely to be classified as low acuity than those with controlled bleeding.

Specific age groups demonstrated a greater probability of being classified as low acuity relative to others.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

This study is the first of its type in a low- to middle-income country. It provides a potential classification system for low acuity abdominal complaints that may otherwise demand an emergent response from emergency medical services.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Applying these classification variables have the potential to inform and strengthen current emergency medical dispatch policies and processes. The dispatch algorithm can also be used to divert a low acuity case to more appropriate services.

A classification model for the telephonic triage of low acuity abdominal complaints in South Africa.

A classification model for the telephonic triage of low acuity abdominal complaints in South Africa.

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