The new strategic agenda for value transformation

Abstract

The model for value-based healthcare introduced in 2006 by Porter and Teisberg is still relevant, but it is incomplete. Porter and Teisberg put a strong focus on measuring outcomes, but how to use these measurements to actually improve quality of care has not been described. In addition, value-based healthcare as originally introduced neglects that a true shift from volume to patient value requires a change in culture and way of working of healthcare professionals. The original strategic agenda for value transformation (in short: ‘value agenda’) consists of six elements: organize into Integrated Practice Units (1), measure outcomes and costs for every patient (2), move to bundled payments for care cycles (3), integrate care delivery systems (4), expand geographic reach (5), and build an enabling information technology platform (6). For value-based healthcare to become a reality, the strategic agenda needs to be extended with four elements. First, healthcare providers need to set up a systematic approach for value-based quality improvement. Second, value needs to be integrated in patient communication. Third, we should invest in a culture of value delivery. And fourth, we should build learning platforms for healthcare professionals based on patient outcome data. Best practices on value-based healthcare implementation are working on these four elements in addition to the original value agenda. In conclusion, a new strategic agenda for value transformation is proposed that combines the vision of the founders of value-based healthcare with implementation experience in order to support healthcare providers in their shift to become value-based.