Computer-Based Tools for Recording Time and Motion Data for Assessing Clinical Workflow

Abstract

Time and motion is a popularly used approach for quantifying clinical work processes and workflow. It has been generally considered the “gold standard” for conducting quantitative workflow studies, because of the rich details it is able to reveal regarding workflow, and the accuracy of its measurements as compared to other competing methods such as self-reported questionnaires and work sampling. However, there are several methodological limitations that threaten the validity of time and motion studies. These include difficulties in assessing inter-observer reliability, difficulties for external observers to discern subtle activities by study participants, and difficulties in capturing multitasking. While completely eliminating these methodological limitations may not be possible, one way to mitigate their effects is to develop effective data capture tools to assist external observers in collecting high-quality time and motion data. Such tools need to be very easy to use; incorporate measures to reduce data entry inconsistencies and errors; and can be easily extended to accommodate new research questions and new empirical scenarios. In this chapter, we introduce three such tools developed by different research groups in the past 10 years, namely Time Capture Tool (TimeCat), Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT), and T&M Data Collector. The features of each of these tools are described, followed by a discussion of their pros and cons.