Optimizing PACU nursing resource allocation through SARIMA-based patient volume forecasting: a case study from a tertiary hospital in China (2020–2021)

Key Points

• The research aims to enhance nursing resource allocation by accurately forecasting PACU patient admissions.
• Utilized the SARIMA model for short-term patient volume forecasting.
• Compared the performance of the SARIMA model to a more complex LSTM model.
• Analyzed patient admission data from a tertiary hospital over a one-year period.
• SARIMA provided reliable and accurate forecasts for PACU admissions under normal conditions.
• Demonstrated superior performance in staff scheduling optimization compared to the LSTM model.