How much time do emergency department physicians spend on medication-related tasks? A time- and-motion study ...

• Main Authors: Johnsgård, Tine, Elenjord, Renate, Holis, Renata Vesela, Waaseth, Marit, Zahl-Holmstad, Birgitte, Fagerli, Marie, Svendsen, Kristian, Lehnbom, Elin Christina, Ofstad, Eirik Hugaas, Risør, Torsten, Garcia, Beate Hennie
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: figshare 2024
• Subjects: Science Policy; Sociology; FOS: Sociology; Mental Health; Northern Norway
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7173766; https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/How_much_time_do_emergency_department_physicians_spend_on_medication-related_tasks_A_time-_and-motion_study/7173766

Abstract Background Medication-related problems are an important cause of emergency department (ED) visits, and medication errors are reported in up to 60% of ED patients. Procedures such as medication reconciliation and medication review can identify and prevent medication-related problems and medication errors. However, this work is often time-consuming. In EDs without pharmacists, medication reconciliation is the physician’s responsibility, in addition to the primary assignments of examining and diagnosing the patient. The aim of this study was to identify how much time ED physicians spend on medication-related tasks when no pharmacists are present in the EDs. Methods An observational time-and-motion study of physicians in three EDs in Northern Norway was conducted using Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT) to collect and time-stamp data. Observations were conducted in predefined two-hour observation sessions with a 1:1 relationship between observer and participant, during Monday to Friday ...