Modeling Phase I Postanesthesia Care Unit Patient Transport Times Among Multiple Destinations

PACU transport times differed significantly among destinations. Therefore, when >1 patient is waiting for transport, target the patient who will have the briefest transport, especially if to the phase II PACU. Approximation of transport workload based on the distribution of PACU discharges by time of day is insufficient for accurate staffing. Instead, rely on the mean and standard deviation of the workday's total transport times during the period.