Table 2 Unit clerk work definitions
Category | Includes | Excludes |
|---|---|---|
Direct Care Any activity directly related to patient care. For unit clerks, direct patient care will typically only be entered when s/he talks to the patient's relatives. | Communicating with patient/relative | Ordering results Communicating with staff member |
Note: All communication with patient/relative is defined as direct patient care. | ||
Indirect Care Any activity indirectly related to patient care. | Reading & reviewing documents directly related to a particular patient Organizing, ordering, and entering tests, diet, x-rays, blood products, etc. (includes ordering via computer) Retrieving information (from temporary or perm record, or computer) Check for results Washing hands Gathering & returning equipment | Medication related activities Documenting in patient notes Communicating with staff member Communicating with patient/relative |
Document Any recording of patient information on paper or computer. | Writing on temporary record (e.g. own list) Registering patients (entering data into computer or onto paper chart) | Ordering tests, etc. |
Professional Communication Any work-related discussion with another staff member. | Requesting medical or nursing consult or review Handover/parts of a ward round Receiving any request (e.g. order test, page physician) | Medication related discussion Communication with patient/relative |
Administrative Any administrative activity that is not related to direct or indirect individual patient care. Also includes activities that relate to the running of the unit in general (but aren't related to direct or indirect patient care). | Answering visitor's phone Answering phone calls Duty rosters Employment issues Coordination of staff activities Staff meetings (not case or clinical meetings) Unit related Entering x-ray Paper work (e.g. organizing lab results to deliver) | Handover Rounds Making a phone call to someone that you know is professional |
In Transit Work related movement. | Movement when the participant exits a patient room Movement between bedsides | Movement within a single room (e.g. if patient is in isolation room) |
Note: When the participant arrives at another task or patient, "In Transit" ceases and the next appropriate category is chosen for that active task. e.g. participant leaves room to get equipment = in transit participant returns with equipment = indirect care | ||
Supervision/Education Active supervision or teaching of another staff member or student. | Attending education sessions (e.g. grand rounds) | Â |
Note: When the participant is actively supervising, "supervision" is selected and all tasks normally undertaken by the participant are added under "multitasking". | ||
Social Any social or personal activity or discussion. | Personal phone calls, tea & personal breaks Bathroom breaks Reading books/magazines | Â |
Pager Whenever the participant pages a physician, fellow, or another staff member. | Â | Â |