You may have seen or heard a bit about Value Based Health and Care recently and wondered what it actually means and what plans there are to take it forward locally across Forth Valley. Value Based Health and Care is an approach which encourages us all to take a fresh look at how we deliver local services to ensure that the resources available are delivering the best outcomes for patients and local communities. We can then focus our efforts and resources in areas which are making the most difference and stop or reduce activities in areas which don’t.
Delivering Value Based Health and Care doesn’t always require major changes or wholescale redesign as small changes can often make a big difference. It also isn’t about saving money although sometimes it can help free up resources and capacity which can then be used in the areas with the greatest impact. Often, we already know what changes might be required or what we should be doing more or less of but sometimes it’s helpful to take a step back and see what the information, the experience and feedback from patients and those who are delivering health and care services is telling us.
To help get started and support discussions within local services, wards and departments, a first steps guide to delivering Value Based Health and Care has been produced. This contains information, advice, local case studies, links to further information and resources as well as a readiness survey to help you identify potential strengths or gaps. It’s also recognised that we aren’t starting from scratch as many services, wards and departments are already delivering or in the process of taking forward changes which will help deliver many aspects of Value Based Health and Care without necessarily calling it this. Our Value Based Health and Care Team is keen to gather as many examples as they can of work already undertaken or planned – you can email them direct with details at fv.vbhc@nhs.scot or complete the Share the Good Stuff form.
A new local Value Based Health and Care Collaborative has also recently been launched which is the first of its kind in Scotland. This is focussing initially on taking forward work within laboratory, vascular, paediatrics and orthopaedic services.
However the Value Based Health and Care Team is also keen to work with services and teams across NHS Forth Valley, both local HSCPs and primary care colleagues to provide advice and support to local services. This could be by attending team meetings, helping you to complete the readiness survey or arranging a session to discuss any ideas or suggestions you have or actions you would like to take forward.
Just email fv.vbhc@nhs.scot and someone from the team will get in touch.
