Development of Value-Based Healthcare Model for Bariatric Surgery in Latvia

Description

Pilot project of new paradigm in health care. Idea of model comes form Poland. Patient get all service from consultation and investigation to bariatric surgery and follow up, and hospital get paid for results after operation e.g. weight loss, comobidities.

Value-based health care (VBHC) approach has proved to be superior to conventional fee-for-service reimbursement models in maximizing health gain, minimizing variability of outcomes and rewarding personalized and effective care. Access to bariatric surgery in Latvia is limited due to non-existent reimbursement and all surgeries for local patients being paid out-of-pocket. The objective of this study is to assess the conditions and priority activities to achieve the implementation of a VBHC reimbursement model in Latvia. . Semi-structured expert interviews (N=8) representing leading specialists in endocrinology, cardiology, nutrition, and bariatric surgery, as well as patient organizations, with the aim to validate the VBHC model created on the evidence presented in scientific literature and other country experience.. The study confirms the necessity to improve access to bariatric surgery, as the most effective and long-lasting treatment option for severe obesity patients.
The conditions for the model implementation include: regulatory changes; NHS tariff calculation method amendments; improved patient outcome data collecting and reporting; funding available for reimbursement.
The priority activities include: development of patient selection criteria; creation of multidisciplinary team for preoperative and postoperative care; development of the patient pathway; setting requirements for staff, facilities and equipment; definition of bariatric surgery outcome indicators; design of the reimbursement mechanism to be used throughout the system.. The model framework was approved by the leading specialists in endocrinology, cardiology, nutrition, bariatric surgery and representatives of patient organizations. The study substantiates the conditions and next steps in the implementation of the model and willingness of specialists to cooperate in provision of this completely new VBHC approach in bariatric surgery service.

Period	29 Mar 2023 → 31 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: Society. Health. Welfare
Event type	Conference
Conference number	9
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International