At the final conference of the five-year EU-funded ValueCare project, AGE contributed to debates on how best to shape the future of care taking a rights-based approach.
Achievements of the ValueCare Project
Over the course of two days, the conference presented the results of the ValueCare project to a broad audience including Value-Based Healthcare experts, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners, both in-person and online.
The Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) is a healthcare delivery and reimbursement model that focuses on providing the highest possible value to patients. It aims to shift away from volume-based models to efficient delivery of health outcomes that truly matter to patients. The VBHC concept relies on a number of principles, including patient-centred care, cost transparency, care coordination and continuous improvement in care.
The project delivered significant improvements in the health and well-being of older adults, cost-saving indicators, and enhanced workforce satisfaction. The intervention was conducted with the participation of 840 of whom took part in a study that implemented the VBHC model across seven EU pilot sites, adapted to different clinical and social settings. The care delivery was supported by an innovative virtual coach, co-designed with older adults and their family to deliver more personalised services.
Key takeaways from the panel discussion “The future of integrated value-based health and social care in Europe”
AGE Platform Europe was invited to join an expert panel that explored the future of value-based health care models. The discussion featured renowned figures in the VBHC field, including Dr. Mona Khalid and Dr. Jan Hazerlzet, and Michele Calabro, Director of EUREGHA, the European reference network for regional and local health authorities. The panel was moderated by Dr. Yuping Mao, Associate Professor at California State University Long Beach.
- Empowering Older People: All panelists strengthened the importance of empowering older adults and their families to co-lead the health and care systems. We emphasised the need for co-designing care experiences in a mutual trust environment, ensuring that older people are at the centre of the care process and situations of elder abuse are tackled. Older adults should define the perceived value and quality of the care they receive, making it essential to protect their interests and fundamental rights.
- Combating Ageism: Above all, we emphasised the urgent need to combat ageism, which remains a significant barrier to achieving fair and value-driven healthcare systems for older people as mentioned in the Global report on ageism launched by WHO in 2021.
- Data-Driven Improvement: The panelists stressed the importance of measuring outcomes to drive improvement and innovation using digital (ICT) tools in care. AGE cautioned against losing sight of the individual and leaving people with low digital skills behind. We further highlighted the need to keep the older person front and centre in any decision-making process.
- System Coordination Over Resources: Rather than focusing on the scarcity of healthcare resources, the discussion highlighted the need for better coordination and management. Michele Calabro referenced the European Alliance for Value in Health’s report, due for release in early 2024, which outlines the roles and contributions of various stakeholders in advancing value-based health systems.
- Commitment Across Policy Levels: The panelists called for commitment at all policy levels to ensure a fair and equitable care system. The policy recommendations developed through the ValueCare project were presented as a roadmap for prioritising a value-based transition in healthcare.
Launch of ValueCare’s Landmark Book
A highlight of the conference was the launch of the book “The ValueCare Experience: Creating Value for Older People with Chronic Conditions in Europe—A Transition Towards Outcome-Based Integrated Care Supported by Technology.” This publication provides insights into the project’s findings and offers a roadmap for implementing value-based, integrated care models across Europe.
What’s Next for the outputs of ValueCare Project?
As the ValueCare project concludes, the momentum it has generated will continue:
- Advocacy for Change: AGE will persist in advocating for necessary changes in the care sector, pushing for policies that adopt a rights-based approach.
- Dissemination of Knowledge: The book, along with training and consulting services developed by partners during the project, will be widely disseminated to ensure that the lessons learned and best practices are shared across Europe.
- Sharing the ValueCare Experience: The results and experiences from the ValueCare project will be featured at the upcoming ICHOM Conference, on 21-22 October in Amsterdam, further contributing to global conversations about the future of healthcare for older adults.
The final conference of the ValueCare project has contributed for a future where older adults receive the care they need to participate in society. This means care that is not only integrated and personalised but also driven by value and outcomes that truly matter to them.
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