Planning integrated, comprehensive services

Functional programming is a systems approach to the planning process whereby the whole is viewed as greater than the sum of the parts and individual components are developed in light of a clearly articulated objective. The theory of functional programming currently is being implemented in planning for ambulatory care services at a medical center that will replace a hospital in servicing an area of one half million people. Because the plan involves a change in the delivery approach from a traditional clinic system to a comprehensive ambulatory care approach, functional programming well in advance of moving to the new facility will provide the integrating mechanism necessary to systematize the planning of comprehensive services, staff orientation and training, and community education. The development of a functional program for ambulatory care will serve to clarify critical concepts around which ancillary concepts can be developed. It also will identify new areas of change, both technological and behavioral, and new areas of concern that need to be evaluated and refined during the pilot project phase and that can only be developed through a demonstration project.