The sustainability of healthcare systems around the world are under threat – with the way we design and deliver care in need of reform.
The international movement of value-based health care (VBHC) presents a structured, whole of system approach to bring all parts of the system together to drive transformational reform that addresses the complex interplay of the issues undermining sustainability.
Both internationally and here in Australia, there are numerous definitions, theories, and approaches to achieving value in health care. However, all agree that VBHC is about achieving the best possible outcomes for people with the lowest use of resources, through providing a framework for evidence-based, person-centred decision making.
Recognising the great value of sharing and learning in driving the cultural change necessary to support VBHC implementation, the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association’s (AHHA), Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care, held the VBHC Congress 2023. This was followed by a two-week roadshow exploring VBHC implementation in remote, rural and metropolitan locations across Australia. International leader and early adopter of a whole of system VBHC approach, Dr Sally Lewis, National Clinical Director for Value Based Healthcare at the Welsh Value in Health Centre, NHS Wales, was invited to join both the Congress and roadshow to reflect on the experience of VBHC implementation across Wales.
More advanced in its implementation, the Welsh model of VBHC presents an iterative data-driven, evidence-based, outcomes focused approach to VBHC, built on the principles of equity, sustainability, and partnerships. This model resonated strongly with Australian audiences, highlighting an opportunity to harness leanings from Wales, to support VBHC operationalisation within the Australian policy context. This Perspective Brief reflects on the conversations held throughout the Congress and roadshow, comparing the Welsh and Australian experience of exploring and implementing VBHC. Through considering the Welsh experience of VBHC within the policy context of Australia, a number of learnings emerged for Australia in the Welsh priority areas of:
- digital health,
- person-centred care,
- research impact and evaluation; and
- strategic partnerships.
