Count defined contributions with observation minutes and partner context while preserving different ways of communicating.
Define what you are recording
A contribution is a spoken, signed, gestured or device-mediated message meeting the written definition within a chosen conversation. The recorder specifies how a new contribution differs from continuation of the same one.
The fictional observation counts contributions during a discussion of a chosen activity. It does not rank modalities or measure the quality of the relationship.
Collect the data consistently
Agree how messages and repeated messages are counted.
Record the actual observation period.
Note partner, activity and access support changes using fictional labels in a public exercise.
How to complete each data sheet column
Use the stated units and distinguish an observed zero from a missing observation.
Date: Date of this observation. Use YYYY-MM-DD, for example 2026-10-09. Rows are ordered by date; equal spacing on the graph does not represent elapsed calendar time.
Target: Short fictional or de-identified label for the one activity being observed. Use the same target throughout this report; keep its agreed definition in your approved record.
Phase: Optional label for the observation conditions, such as Observation A. A change creates a chart marker; it does not demonstrate a treatment effect.
Count: Whole-number count of the defined event during this observation. Enter 0 when you observed no events; leave blank when the count was not recorded.
Observation minutes: Actual observed time in minutes, for example 15 or 2.5. A rate needs a positive duration: 6 events in 15 minutes equals 0.4 events per minute.
Notes: Optional observation context or recording limitation. Exclude names, contact details and other identifiable clinical information.
Fictional worked example
These are original fictional observations, not patient records or a treatment recommendation.
Conversation contribution frequency sheet
Date
Target
Phase
Count
Observation minutes
Notes
2026-01-05
Fictional conversation-turns
Observation A
8
10
Fictional partner A
2026-01-07
Fictional conversation-turns
Observation A
12
15
Same rate; longer discussion
2026-01-09
Fictional conversation-turns
Observation A
6
10
Different topic
2026-01-12
Fictional conversation-turns
Observation B
10
12
Partner B
2026-01-14
Fictional conversation-turns
Observation B
9
15
Different available opportunities
2026-01-16
Fictional conversation-turns
Observation B
7
10
Fictional observation
Review and interpretation
A per-minute rate adjusts for observed time but cannot adjust for every difference in topic, partner or access. Keep those differences visible.
A talkative partner can reduce available contribution opportunities.
Counts do not describe communication success or satisfaction.
Longer conversations create more potential events.
Questions for the clinical team
Which message types count?
Did all participants have an opportunity to contribute?
What other information describes communication success?