Objective: To assess its major function, cost and “relative worth”; and to determine functions which are being performed and those which must be performed by the item or system under study.
In “VE”, function is best expressed using two words; a “verb” and its “noun” object. Functions of items or systems may be divided into two types : Basic , and Secondary . While a Primary function answers the question “What does it do?”, a Secondary function answers the question, “What else does it do?”. For example, whereas the Basic function of exterior paint is “protect surface”, then a Secondary function is “improve appearance”.
Function of Hospital stay:
Component | Verb | Noun |
---|---|---|
i) Pre-operative Stay | Prepare | Patient |
ii) Stay on operation day | Operate | Patient |
iii) Post operative stay | Examine | Patient |
Dressing | Patient |
Functions were further analysed at different stages:
Pre-operative Preparation of patient:
Operation of Patient:
1st Postoperative day: Pad and Bandage is opened
In “VE” the designation of function as basic or secondary depends upon the indenture level. A function which exists to support the method of performing the Basic function is a Secondary function. This is best assessed with application of Function Analysis System Technique (FAST). It is a diagramming technique which reveals the relationship, and interrelationship of all known functions.Steps of developing “FAST” Diagram:
!http://www.indmedica.com/journals/images/jaha/013_002_fast1.gif (Fast 1)!
The “FAST” Diagram helped the team to identify the “HOF”, Basic and Secondary functions and their inter-relationship; and to establish scope of this “VE” study.
“Worth” is the least expensive way to barely perform a function without considering where or how the function is used.
Table 1 Showing Hospital Stay has high “worth” for Operation Function,
While Hospital Stay Is “worth” less for Pre and Post Op Functions
Component | Function | Cost “C” in Rs. | Worth “W” In Rs. | Basic of worth | Value (C-W) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
a. Pre-op Stay | Prepare | 100 | Hospital Stay | 100 | |
b. Oper. Day Stay | Operate Patient | 200 | 200 | Hospital Stay | 0 |
c. Post-op Stay | Examination and Dressing of Patients | 100 | 0 | Hospital Stay | 100 |
d. Post-op Stay on Sunday (Operated on Saturday) | 300 | 0 | Hospital Stay | 300 |