Recording available: We launched the Value-based Healthcare Hub

The Global Surgery Foundation and UNITAR, with the support of Takeda, hosted a special online event for the Official Launch of the New Value-based Healthcare (VBHC) Hub on Tuesday, 23 November 2021 at 15:00 – 16:30 CET.

The VBHC Hub is live at www.valuebasedhealthcare-un.org.

Event recording

A Platform to Accelerate Towards Value Based Healthcare

Our project aims to facilitate locally-led initiatives that will promote and advance the implementation of VBHC models in low-income and resource-limited settings, led by frontline implementers and developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, academic leaders, academic institutions and professional societies, industry, civil society and of course, patients. The platform aims to gather these stakeholders and facilitate discussion for policy development towards VBHC and related health system changes tailored to their respective contexts. The platform will also act as a knowledge repository for value-based healthcare, to strengthen capacity building and foster better understanding.

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancers, are a key driving factor for the immense challenges faced by health systems globally. Surgical care is the foundation of the treatment options for most NCDs and yet, despite this, five billion people don’t have access to essential surgical care. Investing in value-based healthcare (VBHC) models with a strong focus on surgical care for NCDs is a proven, cost-effective strategy to address health system challenges.

At its core, VBHC is about improving health outcomes for patients. The ‘value’ is derived from ensuring that patients receive the best outcome from their healthcare, while doing so at the most reasonable cost. The VBHC model utilises a team-based approach that is centered around patient care, allowing for more coordinated care and outcomes that can be measured more easily. The VBHC model differs from the fee for service (model, in which healthcare providers are compensated based on the number of services or procedures delivered. In sharp contrast, VBHC is focused on quality and not quantity. VBHC aims to standardize healthcare processes by collecting data and evidence to determine how to achieve the best outcome for patients. As such, inclusion of patient reported data is integral to establishing the VBHC model. Patient reported outcome measurements (PROMs) provide healthcare providers with information only known to the patient. Common PROMS include quality of life, symptoms, functional status, satisfaction with treatments and adherence to treatment. Sharing PROMs with healthcare providers allows for the patient’s data to become actionable to support decision-making in clinical practice.

Guiding questions

What is VBHC and the VBHC hub?
How do patient-reported outcomes improve quality and outcomes?
What are the challenges and opportunities of adopting VBHC in low-income and resource-limited settings?

Event objectives

Launch the value-based healthcare hub;
Offer a venue for knowledge sharing and discussion on VBHC;
Provide an opportunity for policy makers and healthcare practitioners to learn new cases and identify best practices for VBHC;
Promote a learning atmosphere and establish a strong network which can be utilized after the event;
Offer an opportunity for stakeholders to become part of the VBHC Hub.

Learning objectives

After the event, participants will be able to:

Discover the newly launched VBHC hub and understand more about VBHC;
Identify challenges and opportunities of adopting VBHC in low-income and resource-limited settings;
Expand networks and identify partners with expertise to assist in adopting the VBHC model.

Confirmed speakers

Prof. Rifat Atun, Professor of Global Health Systems, Harvard University
Mr. Nikhil Seth, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director, UNITAR
Dr. Lubna Samad, Director, Center for Essential Surgical and Acute Care, IRD and Pediatric Surgeon, Indus Hospital & Health Network
Dr. Chite Asirwa, Executive Director, International Cancer Institute
Ms. Michelle Erwee, Global Head, Access to Medicines, Takeda
Mr. Alex Mejia, Director, Division for People and Social Inclusion, UNITAR

Target audience

Government officials and personnel from non-profit, civil, and private sectors who work on VBHC, universal health care, cancer care, surgical care and health systems strengthening.

The project has been established as a collaboration by