Record discrete observable events alongside observation minutes so unequal observation periods can be compared carefully.
Define what you are recording
An event has an agreed observable beginning and end that lets a recorder count separate occurrences. The example counts requests for an activity change during the recorded observation period.
The fictional counts demonstrate frequency and rate. Requests are communication, and a higher or lower count is not automatically a desirable outcome.
Collect the data consistently
Define one event, including when repeated actions count separately.
Record the count and actual observed minutes together.
Record an observed zero as zero. Leave an unobserved period missing rather than zero.
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.
Event frequency and rate sheet
Date
Target
Phase
Count
Observation minutes
Notes
2026-01-05
Fictional event-frequency
Observation A
6
30
Fictional requests
2026-01-07
Fictional event-frequency
Observation A
4
20
Same rate as first row
2026-01-09
Fictional event-frequency
Observation A
0
15
Observed zero
2026-01-12
Fictional event-frequency
Observation B
8
40
Longer period
2026-01-14
Fictional event-frequency
Observation B
5
25
Fictional count
2026-01-16
Fictional event-frequency
Observation B
3
30
Context differs
Review and interpretation
Six events in thirty minutes equals 0.2 events per minute. Compare the same event definition and context; rate alone does not capture the surrounding events.
Ten events in twenty minutes differs from ten in forty minutes.
An observation gap cannot be represented as an observed zero.