Identify Describe the tasks people do
Task Analysis provides a thorough understanding of work-as-done, rather than how we might imagine work to be done. Work-as-done can inform us about other elements of the work system, such as:
- Other tasks that must be carried out
- Other people who are involved
- The tools and the equipment that are going to be used
- The physical spaces where the tasks are carried out
- The procedures, protocols and organisational structures that are in place
What the data said: Example task analysis
Task inventories were constructed for the tasks involved in (a) doing an echocardiogram (echo) and (b) running a pacing clinic.
The analysis suggests that there might be scope for a support role for echo, but less so for the pacing clinic. However, wider systems factors should be considered, e.g., job satisfaction for both the physiologist and the potential support role, job design and career prospects for the support role.
| Task | Total time (across a full day) | Skill classification | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient prep before echo | 42 mins | Support role | Admit, height, weight, clothing, positioning |
| Echo test | 69 mins | Physiologist Band 7 | Echo test |
| Patient leaving and continued measurements | 32 mins | Physiologist Band 7 Support role | Simultaneous continued measurement at echo and patient dressing and leaving |
| Continued measurement at machine | 41 mins | Physiologist Band 7 | Continued measurement |
| Clean room | 12 mins | Support role | Clean and sanitise |
| Report writing | 48 mins | Physiologist Band 7 | At computer screen |
| Total time | 244 mins | ||
| Total F2F patient contact | 184 mins (Range 19-41 mins) (Mean 26.3 mins) | ||
| Total for potential support role | 86 mins | ||