Table 1.

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.