Abstract
Rationale and methodologyA survey of patients was carried out between January and June 2019, to better understand how patients interpret value in relation to radiology as a means to refining the concept of Value-Based Radiology (VBR) in Europe, ensure radiology’s value is properly weighted in Value-Based Health Care (VBH) metrics, and maximise the value of radiological services to patients. The survey was disseminated via various heads of radiology departments, ESR officers, patient organisations, and ESR website and social media channels.ResultsResponses were received from 400 patients from 22 countries. Whilst most expressed general satisfaction with the radiological services they received, certain aspects of the radiological services they received left room for improvement. Thirty-six percent of respondents reported that they were not satisfied with the information provided about the risks and benefits of procedures, and thirty-three percent reported not being satisfied with the availability of radiologists for consultation, potentially suggesting that some patients lack sufficient information to participate fully in treatment decisions. Patients were often unaware of what information they were entitled to receive. Over eighty percent of respondents were unfamiliar with the concepts of Value-Based Radiology and/or Value-Based Health Care.ConclusionIn addition to procedural correctness (correct diagnosis, appropriate procedures performed), patients highly value information and communication with their radiologist (information provided about procedures, explanation of results, personal consultation). Lack of communication was found to be a cause of dissatisfaction in many cases. This could suggest a means of improving patient outcomes as measured by Value-Based Health Care metrics.
Highlights
Value-based health Care (VBHC) is a concept initiated by the pioneering work of Harvard economist Michael Porter [1], which sought to place quality, rather than quantity, at the centre of healthcare decision-making in an attempt to simultaneously reduce costs and improve health outcomes
The responses that were collected broadly provided support for the conclusions reached above. This survey was conducted with the aim of gathering information on how the value patients ascribe to the radiology services they receive might be maximised, with a view to ensuring radiology is properly recognised as a contributor to value within the VBHC value chain
Patients were clearly not familiar with the concept of VBHC, something that obviously needs to be addressed as healthcare moves towards this metric in order to ensure patients are not excluded and that all four pillars identified by the European Commission’s expert panel are fully realised
Summary
Value-based health Care (VBHC) is a concept initiated by the pioneering work of Harvard economist Michael Porter [1], which sought to place quality, rather than quantity, at the centre of healthcare decision-making in an attempt to simultaneously reduce costs and improve health outcomes. This was a response to the increasing costs of healthcare provision, especially in developed countries, todays healthcare focus on the treatment of acute and emergency episodes, values fee for service models and provides little incentives for investment in “prevention, longitudinal chronic disease management, [or] population health” [2]. A subjective element was incorporated within the value equation by recognising the importance of the patient’s assessment of value
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
