Abstract

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.

Key words: Superstition, Quiet, Myth, Emergency, Critical Care