This submission builds on consultation undertaken with health system leaders in developing a blueprint for health reform towards outcomes-focused, value-based health care, and AHHA’s operating model of continuously listening to and engaging with the experiences and evidence from our members and stakeholders, as we contribute to the evolution of our health system. It also builds on the discussions held at the VBHC 2023 Congress in Brisbane and in a series of discussions held with Dr Sally Lewis Director of the Welsh Value in Health Centre, NHS Wales, and health services across Australia.
AHHA supports the exploration and adoption of VBHC payment models within the Australian system where the evidence supports their implementation.
AHHA believes that investment must first focus on enhancing the maturity of outcome measurement in Australia and strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals and decision makers to understand and use these measures before moving to the development of VBHC funding models. If this does not occur, we risk:
- undermining equity though making investment decisions based on advocacy rather than evidence,
- developing funding models that fail because we have insufficient information to develop appropriate incentives that effectively balance provider and funder risk,
- introducing funding models that exacerbate the low value in current care processes.
To maximise the success of VBHC funding models in Australia and incentivise investment in innovation that promotes equitable outcome improvements, we must first invest in strengthening outcome measurement.