The Roadmap for Implementing Value-Based Healthcare in European University Hospitals-Consensus Report and Recommendations

Abstract

Objectives: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) aims at improving patient outcomes while optimizing the use of hospitals' resources among medical personnel, administrations, and support services through an evidence-based, collaborative approach. In this article, we present a blueprint for the implementation of VBHC in hospitals, based on our experience as members of the European University Hospital Alliance.

Methods: The European University Hospital Alliance is a consortium of 9 large hospitals in Europe and aims at increasing the quality and efficiency of care to ultimately drive better outcomes for patients.

Results: The blueprint describes how to prepare hospitals for VBHC implementation; analyzes gaps, barriers, and facilitators; and explores the most effective ways to turn patient pathways into a process that results in high-value care. Using a patient-centric approach, we identified 4 core minimum components that must be established as cornerstones and 7 organizational enablers to waive the barriers to implementation and ensure sustainability.

Conclusion: The blueprint guides through pathway implementation and establishment of key performance indicators in 6 phases, which hospitals can tailor to their current status on their way to implement VBHC.

Keywords: expert recommendation; implementation of outcome measurement; patient-reported outcomes; quality in healthcare; value-based healthcare.