Dimensions, categories and subcategories to be used for data collection in the WOMBAT system
| Task | Definition |
|---|---|
| Direct care | An activity directly related to the care of one patient for example, examining a patient, performing a procedure, communication with a patient or relative |
| Indirect care | An activity indirectly related to patient care for example, ordering tests, reading documents, washing hands, gathering and returning equipment |
| Documentation | Recording of patient-related information on paper or computer for example, writing patient notes |
| Clinical communication | Any discussion on clinical issues, excluding communication with patients/relatives for example, planning care with another health professional, requesting medical or nursing consultation, handover |
| Management communication | Discussion related to running of the department and other administrative issues for example, rosters, bed allocations, employment issues |
| Social communication | Conversations unrelated to work for example, personal phone calls |
| Prescribing | Writing one or more medication orders on a medication chart, form or prescription pad |
| In transit | Moving between areas of the department |
| On break | Breaks from work for example, eating lunch |
WOMBAT, Work Observation Method by Activity Timing.