SYSTEMATIZATION OF NURSING CARE IN RISK CLASSIFICATION IN EMERGENCY SERVICES: ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE MANCHESTER PROTOCOL

Abstract

The organization of the emergency and urgent care network in Brazil evolved throughout the 20th century, but still faces challenges such as overcrowding, long waiting times, and high complexity of care. In this context, risk classification has become essential to prioritize serious cases and improve the quality of care flow. The Manchester Protocol, widely used, structures triage through color categories and requires nurses to possess skills such as clinical reasoning, active listening, and systematization of care. However, limitations such as lack of resources, work overload, and lack of standardization compromise its effectiveness. Thus, it is essential to critically analyze the nurse's role and the integration of the Nursing Care Systematization (SAE), highlighting potential, weaknesses, and the importance of continuing education. This study seeks to understand the nurse's role in applying the Manchester Protocol, identifying competencies, challenges, and contributions of systematizing care to improve, humanize, and make triage in emergencies safer. The integrative review will gather studies from 2020 to 2025 on the nurse's role in the Manchester Protocol, following defined criteria for selection, critical analysis, and synthesis of available evidence. A review of 20 studies shows that the Manchester Protocol is effective in triage, but its effectiveness depends on nurse training, adequate infrastructure, and an organizational culture that fosters professional autonomy. The study concludes that the effectiveness of the Manchester Protocol depends on continuous nurse training, adequate institutional conditions, and an organizational culture that recognizes triage as an essential clinical act for patient safety.