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Table 2 Observational instrument: main categories and related activities

From: Development of an observational instrument to determine variations in the patient care process and patient flow among emergency physicians and internists at the emergency department

Main category

Activities

Patient contact

Face to face patient contact: history and physical examination, explanation of diagnosic and treatment

Documentation

Writing medical status

Writing letter

Reclaiming medical history

Financial settlement

Ordering medical tests and reviewing results

Arranging admission

Arranging discharge

Consult supervisor

Consultation of supervisor

Transmission of patient to doctor from own specialty

Contacting supervisor or doctor from own specialties

Consult others

Consult colleagues

Transmission of patient to doctor from other specialty

Contacting colleagues or doctors from other specialties

Communication with nurse

Deliberating with ED nurse

Waiting

Waiting for test result availability or other ED staff to finish

Absence from ED

Absence from ED to perform duties on other hospital locations, such as the inpatient wards and outpatient clinics or because of scheduled education moments

Other (specify)

Other, not specified in the activities above, such as taking a break