Timestamp offset resolution worksheet
=====================================

StatMedAnalysis | Downloadable worksheet | 5 November 2026

Resolve ambiguous local clock times before comparing event order or durations.

Working instructions
Preserve the original timestamp string and collection setting. Identify whether
it carries an explicit offset or only a local wall time. Obtain the applicable
time zone from source documentation. Test ambiguous times around a clock change
and record how unresolved rows will enter the analysis.

Working record
Save a local copy. Use public, hypothetical or aggregate information.
Project code ____________________   Prepared on ____________________

Source field and raw timestamp format
___________________________________________________________________

Collection time zone evidence
___________________________________________________________________

Offset present in input
___________________________________________________________________

Daylight transition and ambiguous/nonexistent time rule
___________________________________________________________________

Resolved UTC instant or unresolved status
___________________________________________________________________

Independent time-order cross-check
___________________________________________________________________

Affected duration or eligibility decision
___________________________________________________________________

Reviewer and exception log
___________________________________________________________________

Hypothetical worked case
A fictional local 01:30 occurs twice during a backward clock change. A
documented offset of −04:00 maps that reading to 05:30 UTC. An offset of −05:00
maps it to 06:30 UTC. The wall-clock reading by itself leaves two possible
instants.

Decision and follow-up
Use a unique instant for elapsed-time calculations only when the offset or
equivalent evidence resolves it. Flag unresolved times before deriving time
windows and preserve the raw input so the decision is auditable.

Decision _______________________   Date ___________________________
Evidence retained at _____________________________________________
Next action ____________________   Owner __________________________

Official reference checked 5 November 2026
https://docs.python.org/3/library/datetime.html