Table 1 Classifications of Activity Types from Time Motion Observation
Activity type | Definition | Example codes |
|---|---|---|
Direct patient care | Procedures, communicating with a patient or family member | Procedures: Physical exam / signs Procedures: Clinical history |
Indirect patient care | Reading patient history, ordering tests, washing hands, cleaning up after procedure, retrieving information | Paper-read: Clinical history Computer-read: Clinical history Search: Preparation of materials and supplies Paper-write: Order tests |
Medication | Finding orders; prescribing, preparing or administering medication | Search: Order Phone: Prescription Computer-read: Prescriptions Paper-write: Prescription |
Documentation | Recording patient information on paper or computer | Paper-write: Clinical history Computer-write: Patient registries |
Professional communication | Work-related discussions, including requesting consults, presenting or handing over patients | Computer-write: Referral / consult Communication: Health workers, about work |
Administrative | Staff meetings, administrative paperwork, coordination of staff schedules or activities | Paper-write: FUA Paper-read: FUA Search: Registry |
Transit | Movement between patients and between tasks | Movement: Inside health facility Movement: Outside health facility – home visit |
Education | Attending education sessions as teacher or student | Paper-read: References (books or others) Communication only: Listening to instruction |
Personal / social | Any social or personal activity or discussion | Personal: Bathroom Phone: Applications – personal Personal: Leisure time |
Inactive | No activity, including time from departure to end of shift for providers leaving early | Other: Inactivity |