CEO Update

As the voice of public healthcare in Australia, we see our members dealing with the multifaceted challenges affecting our healthcare system. Unlike a single, overarching obstacle, this landscape is dotted with numerous hurdles.

As a consequence, healthcare unaffordability is escalating, particularly burdening the most vulnerable. Additionally, navigating healthcare pathways has become a complex task, marked by long waiting lists and a lack of information on treatment options available or costs involved.

As a consequence, healthcare unaffordability is escalating, particularly burdening the most vulnerable. Additionally, navigating healthcare pathways has become a complex task, marked by long waiting lists and a lack of information on treatment options available or costs involved.

A major factor that can contribute to improvement across the Australian public healthcare sector centres on the implementation of value-based health care (VBHC). This approach emphasises outcomes achieved, resources utilised, and transparent decision-making. At its core, VBHC fosters collaboration between patients, providers, and policymakers to ensure healthcare delivery aligns with community needs.

Intervention is necessary at multiple levels to realise this vision. Implicit steps include empowering individuals through shared decision-making at the micro-level, collaboratively designing care pathways at the meso-level, and aggregating outcomes data at the macro-level.

Initiatives like the Safety and Quality Commission’s healthcare variation analysis and the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority’s exploration of value-based payment models are commendable. However, a structured approach to scaling and spreading innovative care models remains elusive.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association’s Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care has become a nexus for stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum. By bridging public and private sectors and aligning disparate interests, this initiative aims to streamline the implementation of VBHC principles nationwide.

While our journey toward a better healthcare system may be challenging, it is not insurmountable. By embracing the principles of value-based health care and fostering collaboration, we can navigate this complex terrain and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable Australia.