Saving without compromising: Teaching trainees to safely provide high value care.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Decision-Making
• Medical Education

Background:

• Hospitals are transitioning to value-based reimbursement models.
• Cost consciousness and patient experience are key to high-quality, affordable healthcare.
• Physicians currently lack adequate training in integrating cost and patient experience into clinical decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the gap in physician training regarding value-based care.
• To explore strategies for mitigating patient harm risks associated with cost-conscious clinical decisions.
• To provide actionable recommendations for physicians navigating these challenges.

Main Methods:

• Review of current trends in healthcare reimbursement and physician education.
• Discussion of potential risks and benefits of incorporating cost and patient experience into clinical practice.
• Identification of practical tools and educational resources for physicians.

Main Results:

• Physician training in value-based care is insufficient.
• Failure to integrate cost and patient experience may lead to suboptimal care or patient harm.
• Proactive strategies can help physicians manage these complexities.

Conclusions:

• Physicians require enhanced training to effectively implement high value care principles.
• Online curricula, structured decision-making processes (e.g., "5-Question High Value Care Time Out"), mentorship, and clinical decision support tools are vital.
• These interventions can empower physicians to provide high-quality, cost-conscious care while minimizing patient risk.