A retrospective cohort pilot study to evaluate a triage tool for use in a pandemic

This study tested a pandemic ICU triage protocol by applying it to past patient cases to see how it would perform under resource scarcity. The tool helped prioritize patients most likely to survive, with higher survival rates in top priority groups. It could significantly reduce demand on critical care, cutting ventilator use and ICU days by about half. However, decision-making was inconsistent, with frequent disagreement between clinicians and lower-than-expected confidence. Some patients who would have been denied care still survived, raising equity concerns. The study highlights the need for better training, clearer data, and protocol refinement before real-world use.