Predicting Flow in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Are Holidays Lighter?

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether patient volume in an urban pediatric emergency department (ED) can be predicted based on holidays and thus aid in staffing and resource allocation.

Methods: Log-in dates and times were obtained for all patients seen in an urban pediatric ED between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2013. Visits were coded for the day of the week, tour (ie, shift), and season and whether they occurred on a holiday or nonholiday.