WOMBAT is a research tool used to collect data when undertaking direct observational studies. WOMBAT allows researchers to use either validated data collection templates or design their own data collection templates tailored to answer their particular research questions or focus on a specific professional group. Thus, 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; or patients and their care. While originally developed for research in the health domain, WOMBAT can be used in any discipline.
The key features of WOMBAT include:
• Continuous recording and automatic timestamping of data
• Recording of multiple dimensions of observed activities
• Recording of interruptions and their nature
• Recording of tasks conducted in parallel (multitasking)
• Customisable data collection templates in any language
• Validated data collection templates for comparison with previous research
• Offline data collection
WOMBAT is comprised of two separate but interlinked components: the WOMBAT App and the WOMBAT Web App. The WOMBAT App enables the collection of data, which are stored on your device until uploaded to the WOMBAT Web App. The Web App is a secure external server where data collection templates are designed, and study data are securely stored.
In the Lite Version, you can use the WOMBAT App to perform data collection using the provided sample study data collection templates. Collected data are not saved to your device in the Lite Version. Licenced users are provided with My WOMBAT Sign In credentials, which links the WOMBAT App to a unique WOMBAT Web App allowing access to your custom designed data collection templates and uploading of collected data.