A value-based healthcare system: drawing inspiration from our neighbours
20 February 2025 | Comment(s) |
Claire Galesne
Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) aims to provide the best possible healthcare for each patient, based on the resources available. Various tools can be used to achieve these results, ranging from the collection of PROMs data (patient-reported outcomes measures) to payment for quality-based care and better coordination of care. To make such a transformation of the Swiss health system possible, let us draw inspiration from our neighbours, both near and far, who have already set out on this path.
Germany – Quality contracts
In Germany, health insurers can enter into quality contracts with hospitals in certain areas of service provision. These contracts provide financial incentives for efficient and high-quality care. One example is orthopaedics, where hospitals receive a quality premium in addition to the flat-rate premium for modern operating concepts such as fast-track surgery. In the event of complications (e.g. inflammation), no additional remuneration is paid. If the patient leaves hospital prematurely due to a rapid recovery, the full lump sum is paid.
Wales – A national strategy for VBHC
In 2019, Wales launched a national action plan for the implementation of VBHC in the Welsh healthcare system. Like Switzerland, Wales is facing an ageing population and an increase in chronic diseases. With VBHC, Wales aims to adapt its health system to meet the growing and complex medical needs of its population while ensuring the financial sustainability of the health system. The work of NHS Wales’ VBHC centre includes PROMs, i.e. selected PROM questionnaires and standards that have been developed so that they can be easily aggregated, and the results compared.
United States – Kaiser Permanente: integrated care
Kaiser Permanente is a large US healthcare organisation with an integrated prepaid model. It is made up of a health insurance company, doctors’ groups and a hospital system that work together in an integrated and exclusive way. The doctors’ groups receive an annual budget (capitation) from the health insurance company and are therefore incentivised to provide high-quality and cost-effective care.
And what about Switzerland?
Still little known in Switzerland a few years ago, pilot projects and proposals in favour of a Value-Based Healthcare system are now multiplying.
For more information on :
- Germany – Quality contracts
- Wales – A national strategy for VBHC
- United States – Kaiser Permanente: integrated care
