Using demand analysis and system status management for predicting ED attendances and rostering.

Introduction: It has been observed that emergency department (ED) attendances are not random events but rather have definite time patterns and trends that can be observed historically.

Objectives: To describe the time demand patterns at the ED and apply systems status management to tailor ED manpower demand.

Methods: Observational study of all patients presenting to the ED at the Singapore General Hospital during a 3-year period was conducted.