| alue analysis (VA) is the methodical review of the value of goods and services. It converges on quality and patient outcomes such as morbidity, mortality, and average length of stay. The objective of this study is to compare average length of stay, morbidity, and mortality in the academic medical centers (AMCs) with value analysis programs (VAPs) and those without value analysis programs using three service lines (Cardiovascular, Neuroscience and Orthopedics). The UHC Clinical Data Base/Resource Manager (CDB/RM) was utilized as secondary data for this study, which represents 90 % of AMCs in the country. The CDB/RM data was imported to SPSS, for analysis. The Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical test was used to test for significant differences with respect to the measurement on the three outcomes average length of stay, morbidity, and mortality between AMCs with and without value analysis programs, across the three selected service lines. The differences between AMCs, with and without VAPs, were not found to be significant regarding patient outcomes (average length of stay, morbidity, and mortality). Trends in patient outcomes were found to be somewhat similar between the two VAP groups. The results demonstrate a significant difference among the service lines with respect to average length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. However, the neuroscience service line consistently demonstrated higher average length of stay, morbidity, and mortality, with the cardiovascular service line trailing. The orthopedic service line steadily revealed the lowest average length of stay, morbidity, and mortality. Even though the difference between the two VAP groups was not significant with respect to average length of stay, morbidity, and mortality, a negative impact on patient outcomes was not noted. It has been demonstrated that VAPs have saved healthcare organizations valuable dollars to be reinvested in clinical programs and equipment. Since 1997, the UHC Value Analysis Program has documented more than... |
