Printing Blank Diary Cards
Diary cards for data collection can be printed by the system. When DRS is started, select the "Prints" menu option and then "Print Blank Diary Cards". This option is also available via a toolbar button on the diary cards input and analysis screen.
These card layouts will provide data in a format ideal for inputting into DRS. Other diary cards designs are in use and may also be used as a data source providing the same set of data is collected.
Cards with doctors names and dates
If a set of doctors names has been defined for the currently selected work group then it will be possible to generate a set of forms with names and dates already filled in. By default, a set of form will be produced for all doctors, for the whole study period. It is also possible to print for a single doctor or a different date period by making selections on the form.
Print completely blank diary cards
It is also possible to print completely blank forms. Click the radio button "Print completely blank diary cards". The number of cards to print must be specified, one is the default, but this can be changed up to 100. If there are no doctors defined with the current work group, this will be the only option available.
Style of Diary Card
Five styles of diary card are available. The one to use will depend on the type of work pattern being monitored and local preferences.
Standard
This form allows input of work episodes and has space for comments. It is most suitable for on call, partial shift and hybrid work patterns
The diary card input form is made up of two A5 forms printed side by side on a single A4 sheet. The sheet is normally used folded in half down to A5 size.
Full shift - page per week
This form does not have space for input of work episodes, but one form covers a whole week. It is most suitable for full shift work patterns.
Full shift - page per week with duties list
This form does not have space for input of work episodes, but one form covers a whole week. It is most suitable for full shift work patterns. If DRS has been used to define a work pattern for the work group, the list of duty codes will appear on the diary card. This can be useful to increase the accuracy and value of the study. If the doctor records the code of the duty being worked for the day, a direct comparison can be made between theory and practice. It is also possible to ask DRS to analyse the theoretical work pattern with actual average duty lengths.
Full shift - page per fortnight
This form does not have space for input of work episodes, but one form covers a fortnight. It is most suitable for full shift work patterns.
Full shift - page per fortnight with duties list
This form does not have space for input of work episodes, but one form covers a fortnight. It is most suitable for full shift work patterns. If DRS has been used to define a work pattern for the work group, the list of duty codes will appear on the diary card. This can be useful to increase the accuracy and value of the study. If the doctor records the code of the duty being worked for the day, a direct comparison can be made between theory and practice. It is also possible to ask DRS to analyse the theoretical work pattern with actual average duty lengths.
Activity Recording
These forms allow the collection of information on activities during the duty period. The activity categories and types are defined in the "Activity Categories File" that is selected on The Group Information Input Screen from a pull down list. These category files can be modified via the "Supervisor Options", "Change Activity Analysis Categories" menu selections.
The forms have room for about 35 activity types (within up to 8 main categories). Any activity types above this number will not appear on the form. For studies with a large number of activity types, it is probably best to consider an electronic method for data capture.
