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

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.