Robert Weker

  VALUEPatient  = (HEALTH OUTCOMESPatient) / (BURDENPatient) In the first part of this article, the focus was on increasing patient value by improving health outcomes.  Five drivers were highlighted: Technology has served as a key catalyst to achieving greater outcomes, but education is necessary, so patients and caregivers appreciate what is possible. The other lever […]

It has often been said that “value is in the eyes of the beholder.”  Michael Porter, professor at Harvard Business School, introduced the concept of Value-Based Health care.  He defined value in health care as:  “the measured improvement in a person's health outcomes for the cost of achieving that improvement” This needs to be considered […]

There is value to incorporating the insight and experience of patient experts throughout the patient journey.  In Part 1 of this article, I focused on the key steps of establishing a patient council – start-up administration, scope definition and membership.  It is important to build a solid foundation, but value can only be realized through […]

“Voice of the Customer.”  The customer has been a focus of business for over fifty years and a key component of Total Quality Management systems.  The ‘Voice of the Customer’ captures the customer’s expectations, preferences and overall perception regarding a product or service.  It is important to ‘Deliver Value in the eyes of the customer’ […]

The patient journey refers to a patient’s experience over the duration of care. Historically, the focus has been on the clinical steps of treatment but there are many aspects of the patient journey beyond just medical considerations, including financial, work, mental health and impact on the caregiver and family. Equally, a patient’s journey can involve […]

According to Webster’s dictionary, evolution is “the process of formation or growth, that is often gradual, progressive change over time.” As seen through the patient lens, patient engagement, where patients actively participate in healthcare, has certainly evolved over time.  Patients are better informed and more actively engaged in their medical care than ever.  And while […]