The AI vs. Human Hype is Overblown: Show Us the Proof, or It Didn't Happen
Humans beware, you're about to be asked to demonstrate advanced reasoning that drives your work. At least, that's what I'd be asking if I were hiring you.
I spent a long time developing prompts and fine-tuning them for creating advanced Jobs-to-be-Done qualitative modeling. Initially, I was trying to reduce the time it takes to produce a viable model from weeks to hours. But recently, I've begun to realize that these outputs may not be trusted.
Why?
Because incumbents gonna incumbent! That's why.
I spent about a year as a financial auditor way back when, and the one thing I learned to do was trace my work back to the source, so I had proof. It was mind-numbing work. But I understood the importance of it.
The state of GenAI today allows us to do something similar. Since I'm not asking these models for their opinion, what I need is a more logical breakdown of how it came to output a job map, or success metrics. Since I'm instructing the number of items outputted, and that they need to be MECE, this thinking process is very important to understand.
I've updated my #JTBD Masterclass with a new, minimized set of prompts that are not only more efficient, but provide a switch to turn on reasoning as a part of the output. I'll put a link to that stuff in the first comment
Let me show you some examples:
Job Map
Yes, these are going to be lengthy. You can just skim through them to get the gist. Keep in mind, this is not a procedure, it's a job map which is focused on objectives
JTBD Analysis
Job: Removing an anatomical structure
Context: Surgically
End User: Surgeon
Fidelity: High (15-18 steps, deviation only with thorough justification)
Start Point: (None specified)
End Point: (None specified)
Temperature: 0
The job is to surgically remove an anatomical structure. This requires careful planning, preparation, execution, and monitoring to ensure patient safety and successful removal of the target structure. The surgeon is the primary actor in this process.
Define Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Assess the patient's medical history. Determine the specific anatomical structure to be removed. Define the surgical approach. Determine the required resources. Assess potential risks and complications. Establish success criteria for the removal. Define contingency plans.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Reviewing the patient's medical history, identifying the target structure, and determining the surgical approach are distinct but necessary steps. They are collectively exhaustive for defining the procedure. These steps cover the essential elements of defining the procedure before proceeding.
Selected Steps: Review Patient Condition - The ability to assess the patient's overall health status, medical history, and any relevant pre-existing conditions. Identify Target Structure - The ability to pinpoint the exact anatomical structure that needs to be removed. Determine Surgical Approach - The ability to decide on the best method for accessing and removing the structure.
Locate Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Gather surgical instruments. Obtain necessary imaging results. Ensure availability of anesthesia and support staff. Secure operating room. Obtain informed consent. Gather necessary medications. Retrieve patient records.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Locating necessary resources can be broken down into securing the operating room and associated personnel and gathering the necessary tools and medical supplies. Retrieving the patient records is covered in the Define phase. These two steps cover the major categories of items that need to be located.
Selected Steps: Secure Operating Room and Personnel - The ability to ensure the availability of a sterile operating room, anesthesia, and necessary support staff. Gather Surgical Instruments and Supplies - The ability to collect all required tools, materials, and medications for the procedure.
Prepare Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Sterilize instruments. Prepare the operating room. Position the patient. Administer anesthesia. Set up monitoring equipment. Prepare the surgical site. Brief the surgical team.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Preparing the operating room environment, the patient, and the surgical site are distinct actions that comprehensively cover the preparation phase.
Selected Steps: Prepare Operating Room - The ability to sterilize the environment and set up necessary equipment. Prepare Patient - The ability to position and anesthetize the patient appropriately. Prepare Surgical Site - The ability to clean and drape the area where the incision will be made.
Confirm Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Verify patient identity. Confirm the surgical site. Review the surgical plan with the team. Confirm anesthesia is adequate. Verify instrument sterility. Confirm availability of blood products if needed. Confirm equipment functionality.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Verifying patient identity and surgical site, and confirming the surgical plan are critical confirmation steps that are distinct from each other and comprehensive in scope.
Selected Steps: Verify Patient and Site - The ability to confirm the correct patient and the correct surgical site. Confirm Surgical Plan - The ability to review the planned procedure with the team and ensure everyone is in agreement.
Execute Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Make the incision. Dissect tissues to expose the target structure. Ligate or cauterize blood vessels. Remove the anatomical structure. Close the incision. Apply dressings.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: The core of the surgical removal is making the incision, dissecting tissues, and excising the structure. These are separate actions that must occur to execute the surgery. Other options are part of other phases.
Selected Steps: Incise Tissue - The ability to make the necessary incisions to access the target area. Dissect Tissue - The ability to carefully separate and navigate through tissues to reach the target structure. Excise Structure - The ability to safely detach and remove the identified anatomical structure.
Monitor Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Monitor vital signs. Monitor blood loss. Monitor anesthesia levels. Monitor for complications. Monitor tissue integrity. Monitor instrument count.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Monitoring the patient's vital signs and the progress of the procedure are the two major areas that must be observed during the surgery.
Selected Steps: Monitor Patient Vitals - The ability to continuously track the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs. Monitor Procedure Progress - The ability to observe the surgical field for any unexpected issues or complications.
Resolve Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Control bleeding. Address unexpected findings. Manage pain. Correct equipment malfunctions. Adjust surgical approach if needed.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Addressing any complications that arise during the procedure is the primary concern of this phase.
Selected Steps: Address Complications - The ability to manage unexpected bleeding, tissue damage, or other issues that may arise during the procedure.
Modify Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Adjust incision size. Alter dissection technique. Change instrument selection. Modify hemostasis method. Modify excision technique.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Adapting the surgical plan based on real-time observations is the core of this phase.
Selected Steps: Adapt Surgical Plan - The ability to alter the incision, dissection, or removal technique based on intraoperative findings.
Conclude Phase Analysis:
Potential Steps: Close the incision. Apply dressings. Remove surgical drapes. Transfer patient to recovery. Document the procedure. Dispose of biohazardous waste.
Brainstorming & MECE Evaluation: Closing the surgical site and documenting the procedure are distinct and necessary steps to conclude the surgery.
Selected Steps: Close Surgical Site - The ability to suture or otherwise close the incision. Document Procedure - The ability to record all relevant details of the surgery, including any complications or modifications.
Fidelity Check:
The current job map has 18 steps. This aligns with the high-fidelity requirement of 15-18 steps.
Scoping Check:
No specific start or end points were provided, so the job map covers the entire surgical process from pre-operative assessment to post-operative documentation.
Final Check:
"As a(n) surgeon who is removing an anatomical structure surgically you need to [review patient condition, identify target structure, determine surgical approach, secure operating room and personnel, gather surgical instruments and supplies, prepare operating room, prepare patient, prepare surgical site, verify patient and site, confirm surgical plan, incise tissue, dissect tissue, excise structure, monitor patient vitals, monitor procedure progress, address complications, adapt surgical plan, close surgical site, document procedure]"
This structure makes sense and captures the essence of the job.
End JTBD Analysis
Review Patient Condition - The ability to assess the patient's overall health status, medical history, and any relevant pre-existing conditions.
Identify Target Structure - The ability to pinpoint the exact anatomical structure that needs to be removed.
Determine Surgical Approach - The ability to decide on the best method for accessing and removing the structure.
Secure Operating Room and Personnel - The ability to ensure the availability of a sterile operating room, anesthesia, and necessary support staff.
Gather Surgical Instruments and Supplies - The ability to collect all required tools, materials, and medications for the procedure.
Prepare Operating Room - The ability to sterilize the environment and set up necessary equipment.
Prepare Patient - The ability to position and anesthetize the patient appropriately.
Prepare Surgical Site - The ability to clean and drape the area where the incision will be made.
Verify Patient and Site - The ability to confirm the correct patient and the correct surgical site.
Confirm Surgical Plan - The ability to review the planned procedure with the team and ensure everyone is in agreement.
Incise Tissue - The ability to make the necessary incisions to access the target area.
Dissect Tissue - The ability to carefully separate and navigate through tissues to reach the target structure.
Excise Structure - The ability to safely detach and remove the identified anatomical structure.
Monitor Patient Vitals - The ability to continuously track the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.
Monitor Procedure Progress - The ability to observe the surgical field for any unexpected issues or complications.
Address Complications - The ability to manage unexpected bleeding, tissue damage, or other issues that may arise during the procedure.
Adapt Surgical Plan - The ability to alter the incision, dissection, or removal technique based on intraoperative findings.
Close Surgical Site - The ability to suture or otherwise close the incision.
Document Procedure - The ability to record all relevant details of the surgery, including any complications or modifications.
Success Metrics
Themes: Sterility, Visibility, Accuracy, Efficiency, Risk Mitigation
Reasoning: (on)
1. Analysis: The job is removing an anatomical structure surgically. The step is preparing the surgical site. The end user is a surgeon. This means the focus needs to be on preparing the area where the surgeon will be operating. This involves cleaning, draping, and possibly making an initial incision.
2. Brainstorming themes (10+):
Sterility
Visibility of the operating field
Accuracy of site identification
Time efficiency in preparation
Minimizing bleeding
Minimizing risk of infection
Minimizing tissue trauma
Proper positioning of patient
Adequate lighting
Availability of necessary instruments
Accessibility to surgical site
Evaluating MECE for the step "Prepare Surgical Site":
Mutually Exclusive: The themes, as initially brainstormed, are not entirely mutually exclusive. For example, "Minimizing risk of infection" overlaps with "Sterility." "Adequate lighting" and "Visibility of the operating field" are closely related.
Collectively Exhaustive: The initial brainstorm covers a wide range of aspects related to preparing the surgical site. However, it might not be fully exhaustive in terms of all potential undesired outcomes.
To achieve MECE, the themes will be refined and grouped.
3. Scoping: The number of CSS to generate is 10. This means some themes will need to be combined to encompass multiple aspects within a single CSS. Roughly 20% (2 statements) should address avoiding undesirable outcomes, which is achievable within the refined themes.
4. Generation & Reasoning of CSS:
Minimize the likelihood of contamination of surgical site, e.g., introduction of bacteria, introduction of foreign material, introduction of viruses.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Sterility theme. It addresses the core requirement of preventing infection during surgery. It is mutually exclusive from other themes like visibility or efficiency. It adheres to the "Minimize the likelihood of" format. Examples highlight the various ways contamination can occur.
Minimize the time it takes to clean surgical site, e.g., scrubbing with antiseptic solution, applying skin prep solution, rinsing solution.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Efficiency and partially Sterility themes. It is mutually exclusive from statements focused solely on the end result of sterility, as it addresses the time taken for a specific part of the sterilization process. Examples provided detail the different aspects of cleaning.
Minimize the likelihood of incorrect site preparation, e.g., operating on wrong limb, operating on wrong side, operating on wrong level.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Accuracy and Risk Mitigation themes. It addresses the critical need to operate on the correct area. This is a major patient safety concern. This is mutually exclusive from other statements like visibility or sterility. Examples highlight potential errors in site identification.
Minimize the time it takes to drape surgical site, e.g., placing sterile drapes around incision site, securing drapes, adjusting drapes for optimal exposure.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Efficiency and Sterility themes. Draping is essential for maintaining sterility and takes time. This is mutually exclusive from cleaning or identifying the site, as it deals with the specific act of draping. Examples show the various stages involved in the draping process.
Minimize the likelihood of inadequate exposure of surgical site, e.g., drapes covering critical area, patient positioning obscuring the site, poor lighting.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Visibility theme. It highlights the need for a clear view of the operating area, which is affected by draping, positioning, and lighting. It is mutually exclusive from other statements as it concerns the overall visibility of the area once prepped. Examples illustrate factors that can hinder exposure.
Minimize the likelihood of inadvertent injury during site preparation, e.g., skin laceration from prep solution, nerve damage from positioning, burns from prep solution.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Risk Mitigation theme and addresses avoiding undesirable outcomes. It focuses on preventing harm to the patient during the preparation phase. It is distinct from accuracy of site identification, as it deals with direct physical harm. Examples include different kinds of injuries.
Minimize the time it takes to position patient for surgery, e.g., placing patient on operating table, adjusting table height and tilt, securing patient with straps.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Efficiency theme, as well as Visibility, as well as Risk Mitigation. Proper positioning is crucial for both access to the surgical site and preventing complications like nerve damage. It is mutually exclusive from other steps like cleaning and draping. Examples explain the activities involved in patient positioning.
Minimize the likelihood of repositioning patient after incision, e.g., inadequate initial access, unanticipated need for wider exposure, instruments obstructing view.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Risk Mitigation and partially Visibility themes. While initially seeming to be covered under "positioning," this specifically addresses the undesired outcome of having to reposition after the procedure has begun. This can lead to wasted time and increased risk. The examples highlight situations that might necessitate repositioning.
Minimize the time it takes to achieve hemostasis at prep site, e.g., applying pressure to bleeding vessels, using cautery, applying topical hemostatic agents.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Efficiency and Risk Mitigation themes. Achieving hemostasis (stopping bleeding) can be necessary during site preparation, especially if an initial incision is made. Minimizing time spent on this is important. This is distinct from other activities like cleaning or draping. Examples provide various methods of hemostasis.
Minimize the likelihood of unnecessary supplies being opened during site preparation, e.g., wrong size drapes, incorrect prep solution, duplicate instruments.
Reasoning: This statement falls under the Efficiency theme. It is distinct from the other CSS, as it focuses on resource use and waste reduction. This is a smaller but still relevant aspect of site preparation. Examples highlight different types of wasted supplies.
Final CSS List:
Minimize the likelihood of contamination of surgical site, e.g., introduction of bacteria, introduction of foreign material, introduction of viruses.
Minimize the time it takes to clean surgical site, e.g., scrubbing with antiseptic solution, applying skin prep solution, rinsing solution.
Minimize the likelihood of incorrect site preparation, e.g., operating on wrong limb, operating on wrong side, operating on wrong level.
Minimize the time it takes to drape surgical site, e.g., placing sterile drapes around incision site, securing drapes, adjusting drapes for optimal exposure.
Minimize the likelihood of inadequate exposure of surgical site, e.g., drapes covering critical area, patient positioning obscuring the site, poor lighting.
Minimize the likelihood of inadvertent injury during site preparation, e.g., skin laceration from prep solution, nerve damage from positioning, burns from prep solution.
Minimize the time it takes to position patient for surgery, e.g., placing patient on operating table, adjusting table height and tilt, securing patient with straps.
Minimize the likelihood of repositioning patient after incision, e.g., inadequate initial access, unanticipated need for wider exposure, instruments obstructing view.
Minimize the time it takes to achieve hemostasis at prep site, e.g., applying pressure to bleeding vessels, using cautery, applying topical hemostatic agents.
Minimize the likelihood of unnecessary supplies being opened during site preparation, e.g., wrong size drapes, incorrect prep solution, duplicate instruments.
Ideal Statements
Okay, here's a breakdown of the process and the resulting ideal statements for a surgeon removing an anatomical structure surgically, with detailed reasoning.
Ideation Process:
1. Analyze the Job and Context:
Job: Surgeon removing an anatomical structure. This implies precision, careful planning, risk management, and a high level of skill.
Context: Surgically. This means the job is performed in a sterile operating room, likely under anesthesia, using specialized instruments and potentially imaging technologies.
End User Perspective: Surgeon. This individual is highly trained, responsible for patient safety, and needs to perform the procedure efficiently and effectively.
2. Brainstorm Potential Themes:
Here are 10 initial themes, keeping in mind that the final themes should represent 30% of the number of statements to generate:
Precision: Performing actions with extreme accuracy.
Safety: Avoiding harm to the patient.
Efficiency: Completing the procedure in a timely manner.
Visualization: Clearly seeing the surgical site.
Control: Maintaining control over instruments and the patient's condition.
Adaptability: Responding effectively to unexpected events.
Knowledge: Having a deep understanding of anatomy and surgical techniques.
Preparation: Thorough planning before the procedure.
Recovery: Facilitating optimal patient recovery.
Dexterity: Having fine motor skills.
3. Evaluate the MECE Principle & Refine Themes:
The MECE principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) ensures that the themes are distinct and cover all aspects of the job without overlap. We will group these initial themes to be approximately 30% of the number of statements requested, 10. We are aiming for 3-5 themes for our final set of 10 statements.
Mutually Exclusive: Some themes overlap. For instance, "Precision" and "Control" are related. "Safety" and "Recovery" are also interconnected.
Collectively Exhaustive: The initial themes cover a broad range of aspects, but some are more relevant to specific tasks than the overall goal of removing an anatomical structure. We need to focus on the core outcomes of the surgery itself.
Refined Themes (3 Themes):
Themes: Patient Safety, Surgical Precision, Procedural Efficiency.
4. Generate Initial Benchmark of 20 Ideal Statements:
Here's a benchmark set of 20 statements, keeping the refined themes in mind:
Minimize blood loss.
Avoid nerve damage.
Prevent infection.
Control bleeding effectively.
Navigate complex anatomical structures.
Optimize tissue preservation.
Reduce operative time.
Ensure complete removal of the target structure.
Anticipate potential complications.
Maintain a clear surgical field.
Restore normal function.
Manage patient pain effectively.
Minimize tissue trauma.
Utilize surgical instruments effectively.
Confirm the correct surgical site.
Adapt to unexpected findings.
Assess the patient's condition continuously.
Improve patient recovery time.
Verify hemostasis before closure.
Preserve surrounding healthy tissue.
5. Adjust to Target Number (10 Statements) and Evaluate Against Criteria:
We need to reduce the list to 10 statements while maintaining adherence to all stated criteria. This will involve theming up and refining.
Reasoning for Statement Selection and Refinement:
Statement 1: Minimize blood loss. - Kept. This is a critical aspect of patient safety and impacts recovery. It fits both question formats.
Statement 2: Avoid nerve damage. - Kept. This is paramount for patient safety and long-term function. Fits both question formats.
Statement 3: Prevent infection. - Kept. This is a fundamental aspect of patient safety and post-operative care.
Statement 4: Control bleeding effectively. - Removed. This is redundant with "Minimize blood loss."
Statement 5: Navigate complex anatomical structures. - Modified. This will be incorporated into a statement about precision.
Statement 6: Optimize tissue preservation. - Kept, but reworded. "Preserve" is better than "Optimize."
Statement 7: Reduce operative time. - Kept. This relates to procedural efficiency. It will be modified to begin with an action verb.
Statement 8: Ensure complete removal of the target structure. - Kept, but reworded. "Achieve" is a more active verb.
Statement 9: Anticipate potential complications. - Removed. While important, this is more about preparation than the actual removal.
Statement 10: Maintain a clear surgical field. - Kept. This is crucial for precision and safety.
Statement 11: Restore normal function. - Removed. This is too broad and depends on the specific anatomical structure.
Statement 12: Manage patient pain effectively. - Removed. This is more related to post-operative care than the removal itself.
Statement 13: Minimize tissue trauma. - Removed. Redundant with "Preserve surrounding healthy tissue."
Statement 14: Utilize surgical instruments effectively. - Removed. This is more of a 'how' than a 'why'.
Statement 15: Confirm the correct surgical site. - Removed. Important for safety, but this is a pre-removal step.
Statement 16: Adapt to unexpected findings. - Kept but reworded. This relates to both precision and efficiency.
Statement 17: Assess the patient's condition continuously. - Removed. This is too broad and not directly tied to the removal action.
Statement 18: Improve patient recovery time. - Removed. This is too broad and encompasses factors outside the removal itself.
Statement 19: Verify hemostasis before closure. - Removed. This is a post-removal step.
Statement 20: Preserve surrounding healthy tissue. - Kept and refined as mentioned in statement 6.
Final 10 Ideal Statements with Reasoning:
Themes: Patient Safety, Surgical Precision, Procedural Efficiency
Minimize blood loss. - This is crucial for patient safety, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster recovery. (Theme: Patient Safety). This is mutually exclusive from other statements as it focuses specifically on blood loss, not other forms of tissue or organ damage. It is collectively exhaustive as a member of the Patient Safety theme in covering this specific safety risk.
Avoid nerve damage. - Preventing nerve damage is paramount for maintaining the patient's long-term neurological function and quality of life. (Theme: Patient Safety). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement concerning nerves. It is collectively exhaustive as a member of the Patient Safety theme in covering this specific safety risk.
Prevent infection. - This is fundamental for patient safety, minimizing the risk of post-operative complications and ensuring a smooth recovery process. (Theme: Patient Safety). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement concerning infection. It is collectively exhaustive as a member of the Patient Safety theme in covering this specific safety risk.
Preserve surrounding healthy tissue. - Minimizing trauma to healthy tissue is essential for faster healing and optimal functional outcomes. (Theme: Patient Safety). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement directly referencing "healthy tissue." It is collectively exhaustive as a member of the Patient Safety theme by implying the avoidance of damage to any tissue not requiring removal.
Achieve complete removal of the target structure. - Ensuring complete removal is the primary goal of the procedure, preventing recurrence or the need for further surgery. (Theme: Surgical Precision). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement directly concerning the complete removal of the intended structure. It is collectively exhaustive as it is the central point of the Surgical Precision theme.
Maintain a clear surgical field. - A clear view of the operative site is crucial for precise and safe removal, allowing for accurate identification of structures and avoidance of errors. (Theme: Surgical Precision). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement concerning the "surgical field." It is collectively exhaustive as a member of the Surgical Precision theme and is a necessary condition for accurate surgery.
Navigate anatomical complexities accurately. - Successfully navigating complex anatomy is essential for precise removal, minimizing the risk of damaging vital structures. (Theme: Surgical Precision). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement concerning "anatomical complexities." It is collectively exhaustive as a member of the Surgical Precision theme and is a necessary condition for accurate surgery.
Adapt to unexpected intraoperative findings. - The ability to adapt to unexpected findings is crucial for ensuring patient safety and achieving the desired outcome, even when encountering unforeseen challenges. (Theme: Surgical Precision, Procedural Efficiency). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement concerning unexpected findings. It is collectively exhaustive, when combined with statement 9, as it covers the necessary conditions for addressing difficulties that could arise during surgery.
Manage intraoperative complications effectively. - Effectively managing complications ensures the procedure can continue safely and successfully, minimizing risks to the patient. (Theme: Procedural Efficiency, Patient Safety). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement concerning "intraoperative complications." It is collectively exhaustive, when combined with statement 8, as it covers the necessary conditions for addressing difficulties that could arise during surgery.
Optimize operative time. - Reducing operative time minimizes patient exposure to anesthesia and potential complications, while also improving resource utilization. (Theme: Procedural Efficiency). This is mutually exclusive as it is the only statement concerning time. It is collectively exhaustive as it is the central point of the Procedural Efficiency theme.
Final 10 Ideal Statements (without reasoning):
Minimize blood loss.
Avoid nerve damage.
Prevent infection.
Preserve surrounding healthy tissue.
Achieve complete removal of the target structure.
Maintain a clear surgical field.
Navigate anatomical complexities accurately.
Adapt to unexpected intraoperative findings.
Manage intraoperative complications effectively.
Optimize operative time.
Financial Metrics
Okay, here are 10 financial outcome statements for a surgeon removing an anatomical structure surgically, along with detailed reasoning since {reasoning} is set to "on".
Variables:
{end_user}: Surgeon {job}: Removing an anatomical structure {context}: Surgically {n}: 10 {reasoning}: on
Financial Outcome Statements:
Reduce the cost of surgical instruments during anatomical removal.
Minimize the cost of operating room time during surgical procedures.
Minimize the cost of disposable supplies during anatomical removal procedures.
Minimize the cost of anesthesia during the surgical removal process.
Minimize the cost of post-operative care following surgical removal.
Reduce the cost of potential complications arising from anatomical removal.
Minimize the cost of imaging required during the surgical removal.
Reduce the cost of hospital stay related to anatomical removal surgery.
Reduce the cost of surgical tool maintenance for anatomical removal procedures.
Minimize the cost of staff training for new surgical removal technologies.
Reasoning:
Financial Analysis
End-User Perspective and Financial Concerns:
A surgeon, while primarily concerned with patient well-being, is also operating within a healthcare system that increasingly emphasizes cost-effectiveness.
Surgeons, especially those in private practice or those involved in hospital management, are likely to be concerned with minimizing operational costs without compromising patient care.
They might also be interested in maximizing the efficiency of their procedures to increase the number of patients they can treat, thus potentially increasing revenue.
Insurance reimbursements and patient out-of-pocket costs are also factors that surgeons need to consider.
Relevant KPIs:
Operating Room Time: Directly impacts costs and efficiency.
Length of Hospital Stay: Shorter stays reduce costs.
Readmission Rates: High readmission rates indicate complications and increased costs.
Surgical Site Infection Rates: Infections lead to increased costs.
Procedure Success Rate: Higher success rates usually correlate with lower overall costs.
Potential Themes:
Equipment and Tooling: Costs related to purchasing, maintaining, and disposing of surgical instruments, including specialized tools and devices for anatomical removal.
Operational Efficiency: Costs associated with the duration of surgeries, operating room utilization, and the time spent by surgical staff.
Consumables: Costs of disposable items used during surgery, such as gloves, drapes, sutures, and specialized materials.
Patient Care: Costs associated with pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, post-operative care, pain management, and potential complications.
Training and Development: Costs associated with training surgical staff on new procedures or equipment related to anatomical removal.
Imaging and Diagnostics: Costs associated with using imaging technologies like X-ray, CT scans, or MRI during the surgical removal process.
Hospitalization: Costs related to the patient's length of stay in the hospital, including room charges, nursing care, and other related expenses.
Complications and Liability: Costs associated with managing complications, readmissions, and potential malpractice lawsuits arising from the surgical removal.
Anesthesia: Costs associated with anesthetic agents, equipment, and the services of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
Waste Management: Costs associated with the disposal of biomedical waste generated during the surgical procedure.
Relationship to Job Context:
Each of the identified themes is directly relevant to the job context of a surgeon removing an anatomical structure surgically. The choice of surgical tools, the efficiency of the procedure, the type of anesthesia, the use of imaging, and the management of potential complications will all have a significant impact on the overall cost of the procedure.
Evaluate the MECE principle for the financial metrics in this job and context.
The MECE principle states that items should be Mutually Exclusive (no overlap) and Collectively Exhaustive (covering all possibilities).
The themes and their corresponding financial metrics have been formulated to adhere, as closely as possible, to the MECE principle:
Mutually Exclusive: Each theme represents a distinct category of cost within the surgical context. For example, "Equipment and Tooling" is separate from "Consumables," and "Patient Care" is distinct from "Training and Development." There is minimal overlap between these categories.
Collectively Exhaustive: The themes aim to cover all major cost areas associated with surgically removing an anatomical structure. This includes direct costs (equipment, consumables), indirect costs (training, waste management), and potential cost implications (complications, liability).
Detailed Reasoning for Each Financial Outcome Statement:
Reduce the cost of surgical instruments during anatomical removal. Reasoning: Surgical instruments can be expensive, especially specialized tools for specific types of anatomical removal. Reducing this cost directly impacts the overall cost of the procedure. This falls under the "Equipment and Tooling" theme. It is distinct from other cost categories and addresses a specific aspect of surgical costs.
Minimize the cost of operating room time during surgical procedures. Reasoning: Operating room time is a major cost driver due to staff, equipment, and facility overhead. Minimizing this time increases efficiency and reduces costs. This aligns with the "Operational Efficiency" theme. It focuses on time-related costs, separate from material or complication-related costs.
Minimize the cost of disposable supplies during anatomical removal procedures. Reasoning: Disposable supplies (gloves, drapes, sutures) are essential but contribute to costs. Minimizing their cost reduces the overall procedural cost. This is under the "Consumables" theme. It is mutually exclusive from equipment or operational time costs.
Minimize the cost of anesthesia during the surgical removal process. Reasoning: Anesthesia is necessary but carries costs associated with drugs, equipment, and personnel. Reducing this cost contributes to overall cost reduction. This is encompassed by the "Anesthesia" theme. It focuses on a specific, necessary component of most surgical procedures.
Minimize the cost of post-operative care following surgical removal. Reasoning: Post-operative care (medication, wound care, follow-up visits) adds to the total cost. Minimizing these costs can be achieved through efficient procedures and minimizing complications. This falls under the "Patient Care" theme. It is distinct from the costs of the surgical procedure itself.
Reduce the cost of potential complications arising from anatomical removal. Reasoning: Complications lead to longer hospital stays, additional procedures, and increased costs. Reducing the risk of complications minimizes these potential costs. This aligns with the "Complications and Liability" theme. It addresses the financial impact of adverse events.
Minimize the cost of imaging required during the surgical removal. Reasoning: Imaging (X-rays, CT scans) can be expensive. Minimizing their use or using more cost-effective imaging techniques can reduce costs. This aligns with the "Imaging and Diagnostics" theme. It is a specific cost category separate from others like instruments or medications.
Reduce the cost of hospital stay related to anatomical removal surgery. Reasoning: Shorter hospital stays reduce costs associated with room charges, nursing care, and other hospital resources. This relates to the "Hospitalization" theme. It focuses on the duration and associated costs of inpatient care.
Reduce the cost of surgical tool maintenance for anatomical removal procedures. Reasoning: Maintaining surgical instruments is necessary but can be costly. This could be achieved with durable instruments or streamlined maintenance processes, reducing overall costs. This falls under "Equipment and Tooling," similar to statement 1 but focuses on the maintenance aspect rather than the initial purchase.
Minimize the cost of staff training for new surgical removal technologies. Reasoning: Training staff on new technologies is essential but can be expensive. Efficient training programs or the adoption of technologies with lower training requirements can reduce these costs. This fits under the "Training and Development" theme. It focuses on the human resources cost associated with skill development.
The reasoning demonstrates a deliberate effort to create a comprehensive and non-overlapping set of financial outcomes. Each statement targets a specific area of cost within the context of surgically removing an anatomical structure, providing a detailed and actionable roadmap for financial consideration.
Situational Factors
Okay, here is the reasoning and the final output table for situational factors impacting a surgeon's performance when removing an anatomical structure.
Reasoning:
1. Potential Themes and Relevance:
Environmental Factors: This theme encompasses the physical and sensory conditions within the operating room. It's crucial because the surgical environment significantly affects precision, focus, and overall performance. Factors like lighting, temperature, and noise can either facilitate or hinder a surgeon's ability to operate effectively.
Resource Availability: This theme focuses on the availability of necessary tools, equipment, technology, and support staff. Surgeons rely heavily on these resources to perform procedures efficiently and safely. Limitations in resources can lead to delays, complications, or compromises in the quality of care.
Patient-Specific Factors: This theme addresses the unique characteristics and conditions of the patient undergoing the procedure. Factors like patient stability, anatomical variations, and the presence of pre-existing conditions directly impact the complexity and risk of the surgical intervention.
Team Dynamics: This theme pertains to the interaction, communication, and coordination among the surgical team members. Effective teamwork is paramount in the operating room, where seamless collaboration is essential for patient safety and positive outcomes.
Procedural Factors: This theme relates to the specific nature of the surgical procedure itself. Factors such as the complexity of the anatomy being addressed, the urgency of the procedure, and the potential for complications play a significant role in determining the surgeon's performance.
2. Brainstorming Potential Situational Factors:
Environmental Factors:
Resource Availability:
Patient-Specific Factors:
Team Dynamics:
Procedural Factors:
3. Explicit Factor Count and Adjustment:
We have brainstormed 26 potential factors. We need to refine and select 20 to meet the requirement.
4. MECE Review and Refinement:
Upon review, some factors overlap (e.g., "Procedure Complexity" and "Anatomical Complexity"). Some factors can be combined to ensure mutual exclusivity while maintaining the required number. The final selection prioritizes factors directly impacting the surgeon's ability to perform the specific job of removing an anatomical structure in a surgical context.
Final 20 Factors - Reasoning for MECE and Theme Coverage
Environmental Factors
What is the level of lighting adequacy in the operating room? (Environmental Factors) - This is distinct as it deals only with light.
What is the level of ambient noise in the operating room? (Environmental Factors) - Distinct from other environmental factors as it isolates noise.
What is the level of temperature control within the operating room? (Environmental Factors) - Distinct as it addresses only temperature.
What is the level of sterility maintained in the operating room? (Environmental Factors) - This is mutually exclusive as it deals specifically with the absence of contaminants.
What is the level of organization/ergonomic layout within the operating room? (Environmental Factors) - Focuses solely on the physical arrangement of the space, distinct from other environmental aspects.
MECE: These five factors cover different aspects of the operating room environment without overlap, ensuring mutual exclusivity.
Themes: All factors fall under the "Environmental Factors" theme.
Resource Availability
What is the level of functionality of the required surgical instruments? (Resource Availability) - This is focused solely on the working condition of instruments.
What is the level of availability of required imaging technology? (Resource Availability) - Distinct as it pertains to imaging equipment specifically.
What is the level of availability of essential support staff (e.g., nurses, anesthesiologists)? (Resource Availability) - Focuses on the presence and readiness of support personnel.
What is the level of availability of necessary medications? (Resource Availability) - Exclusive to the availability of medicines.
MECE: Each factor addresses a distinct type of resource, ensuring no overlap.
Themes: All factors fall under the "Resource Availability" theme.
Patient-Specific Factors
What is the level of stability of the patient's vital signs? (Patient-Specific Factors) - Distinct as it focuses on physiological stability.
What is the level of complexity of the patient's anatomy relevant to the procedure? (Patient-Specific Factors) - This addresses the anatomical structure's complexity, separate from other patient factors.
What is the level of impact of the patient's pre-existing conditions on the procedure? (Patient-Specific Factors) - Focuses on the influence of underlying health issues.
What is the level of completeness of the patient's medical history provided? (Patient-Specific Factors) - Exclusive to the information available about the patient's past medical background.
MECE: These factors cover different aspects of the patient's condition and information without overlap.
Themes: All factors fall under the "Patient-Specific Factors" theme.
Team Dynamics
What is the level of clarity in communication among the surgical team? (Team Dynamics) - This is exclusive to the effectiveness of communication.
What is the level of role clarity among the surgical team members? (Team Dynamics) - Focuses on the understanding of responsibilities, distinct from other team aspects.
What is the level of experience of the surgical team with this specific type of procedure? (Team Dynamics) - Addresses the team's familiarity with the procedure, separate from general experience.
What is the level of cohesiveness exhibited by the surgical team? (Team Dynamics) - Focuses solely on the ability of the team to work together effectively.
MECE: These factors cover different aspects of team dynamics without overlap.
Themes: All factors fall under the "Team Dynamics" theme.
Procedural Factors
What is the level of urgency associated with the surgical procedure? (Procedural Factors) - Distinct as it deals with the time-sensitive nature of the procedure.
What is the level of inherent complexity of the surgical procedure? (Procedural Factors) - Focuses on the inherent difficulty of the procedure itself.
What is the level of potential for unexpected complications during the procedure? (Procedural Factors) - Addresses the likelihood of unforeseen issues, separate from complexity.
MECE: These factors cover distinct aspects of the procedure itself without overlap.
Themes: All factors fall under the "Procedural Factors" theme.
Output Table: I've used an image in order to preserve formatting
In Closing
Of course there is more to these models, but this is already too much information. What I want you to see is that you can...
Have a conversation with stakeholders to ensure you've scoped your problem-space properly give the questions they need to answer
You can defend your work product against anyone who challenges the logic or reasoning
I would ask them to defend theirs just as comprehensibly
Mike Boysen - www.pjtbd.com
Why fail fast when you can succeed the first time?
Book an appointment: https://pjtbd.com/book-mike
👉 Grab my JTBD Masterclass: https://mc.zeropivot.us/s/mc-1 if you’d like to be able to do this 👆
Get the whole customer management thing done on a single platform:
https://pjtbd.com/tech-stack