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 |