If healthcare value analysis
By Karen Niven , MS , BSN , RN , CVAHP
Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals at the Infection Prevention Table
we have learned nothing else in the last 18 months amid the pandemic , we have learned the importance of a strong value analysis process that supports our clinical teams , our financial teams , our operational teams , and our leadership teams . Healthcare supply chain has been challenged in 2020-2021 like no other time previously . We must use these painful learnings and events to embrace a value analysis process that is embedded in our organizations . The value analysis process then becomes “ the way we do things ” instead of “ the things we do .” To be best prepared for our next challenges — and there will be a “ next challenge ” — we need to use our learnings and this time to elevate value analysis in our healthcare organizations to have a seat at these table . Value analysis professionals must be at the table — at the clinical table , at the operational table , at the financial table , at the leadership table , and even at the infection prevention table . So , what does it mean to be at these different tables ?
Being at the clinical table means as the clinicians consider the products to provide care for all patients , they use the evidence based clinical value analysis process as a part of their decision . Defined by the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals ( AHVAP ), this a “ process for evaluating healthcare services for clinical quality and cost effectiveness .” This includes the review and evaluation of clinical evidence as these decisions are under consideration . Value analysis has been described as , “ a transforming methodology in healthcare that helps providers select products and services , not on personal preference , but on the best value it brings to the organization and its patients .”
What higher purpose than this do clinicians have to their patients and the care they provide ?
Being at the operational table means the involvement of all levels of practitioners , including physicians . This involvement is especially important in the evaluation of new technology and can drive unparalleled value to the new technology assessment . In organizations where physician led value analysis is in place , many of the preference products , such as surgical mesh or surgical energy , can be objectively reviewed and decisions made that supports clinical quality and cost effectiveness . These value analysis discussions are paramount in today ’ s environment and contributed to outcome excellence and cost containment .
What higher purpose than this do operational leader have to their organizations ?
Being at the financial table means the value analysis professional is included in the financial decisions made by the organization . This would include both planning and executing the organization ’ s financial budgets and plans . A senior leader in my organization said , “ We need to evaluate the cost of the care and not dwell on the price of the product .” And what better professional to support the financial teams in that evaluation than the organizations value analysis professionals ?
What higher purpose that this do financial leaders have to their organizations and patients ?
Being at the leadership table means that in addition to the other organizational leaders , value analysis professionals having a seat at the table allows them to contribute their expertise in conjunction with the AHVAP Value Analysis Statement of Purpose : “ Healthcare value analysis contributes to optimal patient outcomes through an evidenced-based systematic approach to review healthcare products , equipment , technology and services . Using recognized practices , organizational resources collaborate to evaluate clinical efficacy , appropriate use and safety for the greatest financial value .”©
What higher purpose than this do leaders have to their organizations and patients ?
Being at the infection prevention table means the value analysis professional works with their infection prevention and control professional when evaluating products and make appropriate selection decisions based on sound infection prevention and control ( IP & C ) guidelines . As a previous surgical services director , I have had the invaluable experience of being included in discussion with IP & C professionals and had the opportunity to invite other perioperative staff as well . In the surgical services practice arena , many times the most valuable voice is the voice of the team in the room . They are the voice of patients who may be unable to speak for themselves . These team members know how to provide the best quality care behind the operating room ( OR ) door . And this is the voice we need in the value analysis discussions and decisions .
We also must embrace the entire perioperative patient care continuum , including pre-op , intra-op and post-op for patient normothermia . To accomplish this quality patient outcome , our value analysis team should have those patient care areas included in these discussions . As we work across this continuum on the perioperative infection prevention , we need to have full team decisions on the following and explore a value analysis strategy including :
● Analyze current products related to SSI
● Infection Prevention / Quality working with supply chain to align on product decisions
● Opportunity to combine products for increased value
● Risk share contract solution availability to warrantee prevention
What higher purpose that this do infection prevention leaders have to their organizations and patients ?
As the Hippocratic Oath states , “ first do no harm .” What a life-changing opportunity value analysis professionals have at this pivotal time in the delivery of quality healthcare . The opportunity to be part of the development , delivery and healthcare changing value analysis process . You have the opportunity to be a part of this journey . So , join value analysis professionals on this amazing industry changing ride .
Karen Niven , MS , BSN , RN , CVAHP , is the Southeast Region director for AHVAP as well as director of Performance Groups for Premier Healthcare Alliance .
www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • september 2021
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