healthcare value analysis
By Barbara Strain , MA , CVAHP
Value Analysis Week Highlights How We Can Improve Healthcare “ Together In Value ”
The theme this year and which will remain a catalyst for the future is “ Together In Value ,” which aligned with the VA Week messaging presented by members from each of AHVAP ’ s four regions — West , Central , Southeast , and Northeast , and demonstrated how they collaborate internally within their organizations and outside their organizations with suppliers and local community entities .”
National Value Analysis Professionals Week was established by the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals ( AHVAP ) and occurs annually the third week in July with a celebration to honor the professionals practicing value analysis principals across the healthcare industry . The theme this year and which will remain a catalyst for the future is “ Together In Value ,” which aligned with the VA Week messaging presented by members from each of AHVAP ’ s four regions — West , Central , Southeast , and Northeast , and demonstrated how they collaborate internally within their organizations and outside their organizations with suppliers and local community entities . Those stories and what ’ s ahead for value analysis is summarized here to provide a road map for all roles in the healthcare industry .
Building a Resilient Clinically Integrated Supply Chain
This presentation was moderated by Suzanne Smith , AHVAP west region director and presented by Angelique Vuilleumier , supply chain director , and Marcia Morgenthaler , value analysis manager , with Legacy Health . Following an AHVAP webinar on this topic presented in earlier in 2022 , Vuilleumier and Morgenthaler provided a current update on how their early work was progressing . A recap of restructuring of clinical value analysis supply chain services consisted of setting up an executive steering committee , using a data rich approach to focus goals , creating action plans and feedback . The key to moving this work forward was using a LEAN A3 New Idea Proposal approach that focused the goals , highlighted ideas , and planning . Targeted communication was key to make this work and gain approval for additional CVA and SC full-time employees ( FTEs ). By way of a “ road show ,” one-on-one with the senior vice president , messaging was tailored to match their goals — e . g ., COO operations . Comparing current savings levels in their old structure to what future savings would be with the new structure was compelling . The return on investment ( ROI ) would be slow but demonstrate increased engagement and patient outcomes , standardized supplies and clinical practice , promote evidence-based decision-making , increased quality systems and standard work through their Lean operations system . When asked what surprised them most , they resoundingly said the levels of participation . A survey of employees who were asked “ how satisfied are you with supply chain services ” showed an approximate
44 percent improvement , along with FY22 savings and cost avoidance — demonstrating that their ROI is paying off .
Unlocking Potential : Benefit of a Strategic Partner Council
This presentation was introduced by Terri Nelson , AHVAP central region director and director of value analysis for Mayo Clinic , and presented by Amanda Puls , value analysis manager for Froedert Health , and Chris Reget , corporate accounts director for a medical products manufacturer . The Strategic Partner Council ( SPC ) was started from a framework of trust versus finger-pointing . Establishing a vision , mission and eight guiding values and reviewing them at each meeting were some of the secrets to the SPC ’ s success . The council members are selected through an application process based on a holistic approach focusing on innovation , strength in the community , collaboration , and other qualities not solely associated with top spend . The council was built on each other ’ s business point of view-understanding of general financial status , overall organizational goals , and value-proposition sharing . Guest speakers such as the vice president of supply chain , as well as financial and clinical leaders are invited to help tell their stories . Building relationships and trust , industry insights , cross-supplier collaborations , process improvement sharing , and listening are accomplishing great outcomes . Puls shared the scorecard used to follow progress attributed to establishing the SPC . Reget added that understanding the provider ’ s culture and what is important to them builds relationships .
Collaboration Success Among IDNs Using a Combination of Opportunities
This presentation was given by Melanie Stone , system executive director of clinical quality value analysis at WellStar Health , who began by sharing how their value analysis process actually grew during the pandemic by completing the onboarding of a third-party electronic value analysis request tool which helped them keep up with requests and exceeded their goals all the while working remotely . She shared stories relating to keeping their patients and staff safe and finding personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and other in-demand supplies . The first example relayed during the presentation was the chance encounter at a barbecue with an entertainment industry contact who wanted to help source COVID-related supplies through their supply chain sources which proved to
www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • august 2022
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