Design, Implementation, Data Analysis on the Time-Motions Studies: A Targeted Literature Review
Author(s)
Anna Krivelyova, MS1, Anna Tarrant, MDP2, Anne-Mary Lewis-Mikhael, PhD3, Xuan Wang, MD. MSc4.
1ICON plc, London, United Kingdom, 2ICON plc, Blue Bell, PA, USA, 3ICON plc, Toronto, ON, Canada, 4ICON plc, Stockholm, Sweden.
1ICON plc, London, United Kingdom, 2ICON plc, Blue Bell, PA, USA, 3ICON plc, Toronto, ON, Canada, 4ICON plc, Stockholm, Sweden.
OBJECTIVES: Time and motion studies (T&Ms) can be used to understand healthcare resource utilization and workflow optimization and provide evidence for efficiencies associated with new technologies. This review summarizes the methodological approaches in terms of design, implementation/data collection approaches, and statistical analysis.
METHODS: MEDLINE was searched to identify T&Ms focusing on medical devices, drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tests [XW1] published between 2020 and 2025. The search primarily used T&Ms and was limited to studies in humans and published in English. No geographical restriction was applied.
RESULTS: A total of 14 publications were identified (4 related to medical devices, 4 drugs, 1 vaccine, 5 diagnostic tests). Majority of studies (n=10) were standalone, while 4 were conducted alongside a larger study (e.g., clinical trial, cross-sectional and prospective real-world studies). Two studies used a cross-over design. A variety of data collection approaches were used: direct observation (5), video recording (1), time diaries (1), survey (1), interviews (3), electronic medical records (EMR) (1). Two studies used multiple data collection methods such as a combination of direct observation, survey and interview. Several studies included additional outcomes not directly related to the time and motion approaches such as process errors and patient satisfaction. Most analyses reported were descriptive in nature, with some studies including more complex methods to control for provider characteristics and other factors.
CONCLUSIONS: T&M studies help quantify resource use, improve efficiency, and generate inputs for economic models. This review found substantial variation in methodological approaches, which may potentially result in wide variation in evidence quality. Early consideration for T&M studies as part of evidence generation planning, can allow for more efficient and robust designs, such as adding a T&M sub-studies along existing trial or implementing hybrid approaches that can yield the best balance between feasibility and detail.
METHODS: MEDLINE was searched to identify T&Ms focusing on medical devices, drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tests [XW1] published between 2020 and 2025. The search primarily used T&Ms and was limited to studies in humans and published in English. No geographical restriction was applied.
RESULTS: A total of 14 publications were identified (4 related to medical devices, 4 drugs, 1 vaccine, 5 diagnostic tests). Majority of studies (n=10) were standalone, while 4 were conducted alongside a larger study (e.g., clinical trial, cross-sectional and prospective real-world studies). Two studies used a cross-over design. A variety of data collection approaches were used: direct observation (5), video recording (1), time diaries (1), survey (1), interviews (3), electronic medical records (EMR) (1). Two studies used multiple data collection methods such as a combination of direct observation, survey and interview. Several studies included additional outcomes not directly related to the time and motion approaches such as process errors and patient satisfaction. Most analyses reported were descriptive in nature, with some studies including more complex methods to control for provider characteristics and other factors.
CONCLUSIONS: T&M studies help quantify resource use, improve efficiency, and generate inputs for economic models. This review found substantial variation in methodological approaches, which may potentially result in wide variation in evidence quality. Early consideration for T&M studies as part of evidence generation planning, can allow for more efficient and robust designs, such as adding a T&M sub-studies along existing trial or implementing hybrid approaches that can yield the best balance between feasibility and detail.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
SA29
Topic
Study Approaches
Topic Subcategory
Literature Review & Synthesis
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas