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A method for dental care activities time study using observer monitored counting of frequencies
Y Swedberg1, J Malmqvist, T Johnsson
1Public Dental Service, Göteborg, Sweden.
Swedish Dental Journal
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study developed a time study method (TSM) to analyze dental clinic activities. The method helps understand time distribution for personnel and patients in public dental services.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Understanding time allocation in dental clinics is crucial for resource management.
- Existing methods may not adequately capture the nuances of dental practice activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and analyze the functionality of a novel Time Study Method (TSM).
- To investigate time distribution across personnel and patient activities within the Public Dental Service (PD).
Main Methods:
- Developed a TSM utilizing observer-monitored frequency counting based on formulated criteria.
- Employed trained observers using specific code lists for different personnel groups.
- Registered ongoing activities rather than procedure durations.
- Randomly selected and stratified 8 out of 36 clinics based on pediatric dentistry proportion.
Main Results:
- The TSM was developed and tested for its functionality in capturing dental clinic activities.
- The study aimed to obtain mean time values for general dental care activities.
- All personnel categories within clinic teams were included in the 1989 testing phase.
Conclusions:
- The developed TSM provides a framework for analyzing time spent on various activities in dental clinics.
- This method can inform resource allocation and operational efficiency in public dental services.
- Further application of the TSM can yield valuable data on dental care delivery.