Using WOMBAT
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Learn what you need to consider for a WOMBAT study Download the WOMBAT app for iOS devices WOMBAT has been used by research teams from across the world

WOMBAT for researchers

WOMBAT (Work Observation Method By Activity Timing) allows researchers to use validated data collection templates or design their own data collection templates to answer particular research questions or focus on a specific group. 

The WOMBAT tool may be of benefit to you if you are seeking to undertake a direct observational study, particularly to quantify aspects of work and workflow. WOMBAT affords the ability for researchers to undertake observational studies of different health professionals in different settings and to answer a wide range of questions using a rigorous approach.

WOMBAT can support the collection of data to answer a wide range of questions about:

  • the work of different professional groups
  • the impact of interventions and reforms
  • interactions amongst teams
  • patients and their care.

WOMBAT apps

WOMBAT is comprised of two separate but interlinked components:

The WOMBAT App the software application that is freely available on the app store for devices running iOS. The app enables the collection of data which is stored on your iOS device until uploaded to the WOMBAT Web App. It is recommended to use the latest supported iOS version. Visit the app store for further information.

  • The Lite Version allows you to explore WOMBAT data collection using the provided sample study collection templates. Collected data is not saved to your device in the Lite Version.
  • A licence is required to access the My WOMBAT Studies section of the App where data can be collected and saved. Licenced users are provided with My WOMBAT sign-in credentials, which links the WOMBAT App to a WOMBAT Web App and allows users to access their custom designed data collection templates and upload collected data.

Note: The WOMBAT App is not available for Android devices.

The WOMBAT Web App is a web portal with a unique address that sits on a secure external server. The web app is where data collection templates are designed and uploaded study data is securely stored.

View more tool-related resources below.

A two-year licence is $3500, and yearly extensions are an additional $1000 per year. Costs are quoted in Australian dollars and are exclusive of the goods and services tax (GST).

An initial licence term is two years with yearly extensions available. A WOMBAT licence includes:

  • a unique My WOMBAT URL for your WOMBAT Web App where you can manage your user accounts and create study data collection templates for use on the WOMBAT App
  • a comprehensive WOMBAT User Manual
  • a WOMBAT Data Analysis Guide
  • technical support for the duration of your WOMBAT licence.

WOMBAT is licensed to an individual researcher for their research project(s). WOMBAT can be used by researchers associated with the licensee’s project(s) to collect data, whether at a single site or multiple sites. However, if these researchers subsequently wish to conduct a new or extended research project, they need to seek their own licence. The initial licensee can use the WOMBAT software for other projects they are involved in for the duration of their licence agreement.

Once licenced, WOMBAT may be used for multiple projects conducted within the licensee’s research team and can be installed on as many devices as needed.

Download the WOMBAT Licence Agreement.

Licensing applications

Apply for a licence or extension below:

Once your application is approved, you will be sent information to complete payment of your licence fee. Once payment has been received, your WOMBAT instance will be established and access details provided. It may take up to two weeks for your WOMBAT instance to be established.

Expiration

During the month prior to your licence expiring, a member of the WOMBAT team will contact you regarding your licence. There are two options available:

  • extend the term of your licence for another 12 months
  • terminate your licence on its due date and decommission your unique My WOMBAT instance.

Decommissioning will require you to download all study data to your secure network and save all copies of your data collection templates and user information. Once your My WOMBAT instance is decommissioned, your data will no longer be retrievable.

The WOMBAT User Manual provides comprehensive instructions for using the software and we recommend allowing enough time to train your observers prior to commencing data collection. The manual will be forwarded to you once your WOMBAT instance is established.

A number of instructional videos are also available:

To cite the WOMBAT software in the text of a manuscript we suggest:

'…we used the Work Observation Method By Activity Timing (WOMBAT) software (WOMBAT 3.0, 2020)[1]…'

To cite the associated reference in the reference list:

[1] Westbrook JI, Ampt A. Design, application and testing of the Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT) to measure clinicians' patterns of work and communication. International Journal of Medical Informatics. 2009; 78 Suppl 1:S25-33.