Time motion studies were rst described in the early 20th century in industrial engineering, referring to a quantitative data collection method where
an external observer captured detailed data on the duration and movements required to accomplish a specic task, coupled with an analysis focused
on improving efciency. Since then, they have been broadly adopted by biomedical researchers and have become a focus of attention due to the
current interest in clinical workow related factors. However, attempts to aggregate results from these studies have been difcult, resulting from a
signicant variability in the implementation and reporting of methods.
Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross sectional study done in the immunization clinic of Medical College, Kolkata, over a
period of 1 month (January 2021). The study population included mother/caregivers attending the immunization clinics with their children. The
total sample was 97. Predesigned and pretested schedule containing observational checklist & pre-synchronized stopwatches were used to record
service delivery time at the different activity points.
Results: Data was collected from observing immunization sessions conducted on 103 children over the period of 1 month. Mean waiting time was
4 minutes 58 seconds. The vaccination process time ranged from 2 minutes to 6 minutes 12 seconds with median value of 5 minutes 24 seconds. The
mean time taken at nutrition and health assessment table was 5 minutes 03 seconds and median time was 4 minutes 55 seconds. Post vaccination
advice took mean and median time of 3 minutes 52 seconds and 3minutes 46 seconds, respectively. Mean overall stay time at the clinic excluding
waiting time was 24 minutes 43 seconds. Service delivery took longer for beneciaries receiving multiple injectable vaccines with oral vaccine,
age group of 12 months - 24 months, having new registration. Waiting time was maximum for those coming in between 12.00 PM -1.00 PM. Not all
people are abiding by the instruction of staying 30 minutes post vaccination.
Conclusion: Efcient functioning of immunization clinics is required to achieve seamless service delivery as more and more vaccines are being
incorporated in NIS. This study dealt on utilization of time at a Medical college immunization clinic where key nding is that a substantial amount
of time is lost for child consolation which delays post vaccination advice and overall procedure as a whole.
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