Value-Based Healthcare glossary

An organisational and economic model for the health system that aims to maximise health outcomes for patients while keeping costs under control. It relies on assessing the quality of care according to clinical benefits, patient experience and the efficiency of treatments.

An approach in which care is organised around patients' needs and preferences, with personalised care and active patient participation in health decisions.

A set of health needs that are clinically homogeneous and stable enough over time to allow coordinated care by a multidisciplinary team, across the full cycle of care, from prevention to rehabilitation.

An organisational model centred on a given medical condition, in which a multidisciplinary, multi-professional team takes charge of the patient's entire journey in a coordinated, continuous and outcome-oriented way. IPUs rely on shared governance between healthcare professionals, managers and sometimes patients, with common clinical and economic objectives, management driven by health data (PROMs, CROMs, costs), and a continuous improvement dynamic. They are the operational foundation of Value-Based Healthcare.

All the clinical, administrative and human stages a patient goes through within the health system, from the onset of the first symptoms to post-treatment follow-up. The patient journey includes the care received, interactions with professionals, waiting times and the lived experience, and it forms the basis for analysis in a VBHC approach focused on the value created for the patient.

The coordinated organisation of medical, allied health and social interventions delivered to a patient to meet an identified health need. The care pathway is structured around protocols or good practice, aims for continuity and quality of care, and may involve several players (community care, hospital, home care) over a defined period.

The use of robust scientific data to guide medical decisions, so that the care offered is based on the best available evidence.

A strategy that aims to improve the health of a population group by identifying risks, strengthening prevention and ensuring effective care coordination.

A process in which the patient and the healthcare professional make a treatment decision together, taking into account both medical data and the patient's personal preferences.

Clinical indicators reported by healthcare professionals that objectively measure how a medical condition evolves, such as tumour size, haemoglobin level or frequency of complications.

Indicators that allow patients to describe their own health status, including pain, fatigue, mobility and their quality of life after a medical intervention.

Indicators that allow patients to describe their experience of care, including the quality of communication, coordination between teams, respect, the information received and their involvement in decisions.

A measure of the impact of diseases and treatments on the patient's physical, mental and social well-being.

An assessment of a patient's ability to carry out their daily activities after a treatment or intervention.

The patient's ability to follow medical recommendations, in particular taking medication and adopting preventive measures.

An organisational model in which healthcare professionals from different specialties work together to provide coordinated patient care.

Meetings between doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to discuss complex cases and optimise patient care.

An organisation that ensures patients receive care without any break between the different levels of the health system (hospital, community medicine, post-acute care).

Putting processes in place to avoid duplicate medical tests and ensure a smooth transition between healthcare professionals.

A mechanism for referring a patient to a specialist or facility suited to their care needs.

Criteria used to assess the quality of care, such as the rate of post-operative complications or the reduction in hospital-acquired infections.

A body of data drawn from everyday clinical practice that makes it possible to assess the real-world effectiveness of treatments outside clinical trials.

Comparing performance across different healthcare organisations in order to identify best practice and improve the quality of care.

A healthcare costing method that allocates the resources used according to the actual time required at each stage of the care pathway. It makes it possible to estimate precisely the full cost of a cycle of care, identifying the main cost items and potential efficiency gains.

The proportion of patients who have experienced complications after a medical procedure, used as an indicator of patient safety.

The percentage of patients requiring a new hospital admission after discharge, a key indicator for assessing the effectiveness of post-discharge follow-up.

A funding system in which care providers are paid according to whether they meet quality and efficiency targets.

A single global payment covering all the care related to a specific condition or procedure, encouraging collaboration between healthcare professionals.

A funding method in which a care provider receives a fixed amount per patient followed, regardless of the number of procedures performed.

A mechanism in which hospitals and payers share financial gains or losses according to the outcomes achieved.

A funding system for healthcare organisations based on the volume of activity carried out (hospital stays, procedures, consultations).

A French framework for testing new funding models based on value and performance.