Open Veterinary Journal (Mar 2019)

The influence of quotations uttered in emergency service triage traffic and hospitalization (Quiet)

  • Christopher L. Norkus,
  • Amy L. Butler,
  • Sean D. Smarick

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4314/ovj.v9i1.17
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 1
pp. 99 – 102

Abstract

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This study aims to determine whether the use of the word, “Quiet” increases veterinary emergency service triage traffic or hospital admissions. Days were randomized to be a control or test phrase day. On control days, the phrase, “Have a nice day!” was announced to the entire hospital staff. On test days, the phrase, “Have a quiet day!” was announced. No statistical difference in mean number of patients presenting to the emergency service for triage (test phrase 30.1 ± 10.4 cases vs control phrase 30.3 cases ± 10.5, p = 0.91) or hospital admissions (test phrase 3.5 ±1.9 cases vs control phrase 4.3 ± 2.4 cases, p = 0.13) was found for 24 hours following phrase utterance. No statistical difference in mean number of patients presenting to the emergency service for triage (test phrase 2.7 ± 1.4 cases vs control phrase 2.6 ± 1.9 cases, p = 0.84) or hospital admissions (test phrase 0.3 ± 0.5 cases vs control phrase 0.5 ± 0.8 cases, p = 0.08) was found in the two-hour window immediately following phrase announcement. Despite popular myth, using the word, “Quiet” does not increase veterinary emergency service triage traffic or hospital admissions.

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