Towards a real-time prediction of waiting times in emergency departments: A comparative analysis of machine learning techniques

Emergency Departments (EDs) can better manage activities and resources and anticipate overcrowding through accurate estimations of waiting times. However, the complex nature of EDs imposes a challenge on waiting time prediction. In this paper, we test various machine learning techniques, using predictive analytics, applied to two large datasets from real EDs. We evaluate the predictive ability of Lasso, Random Forest, Support Vector Regression, Artificial Neural Network, and the Ensemble Method, using different error metrics and computational times. To improve the prediction accuracy, new queue-based variables, that capture the current state of the ED, are defined as additional predictors. The results show that the Ensemble Method is the most effective at predicting waiting times. In terms of both accuracy and computational efficiency, Random Forest is a reasonable trade-off. The results have significant practical implications for EDs and hospitals, suggesting that a real-time performance monitoring system that supports operational decision-making is possible.