Pediatric Radiology: Demonstrating Value

In healthcare, there is a constant drive to optimize the provision of care taking into account multiple perspectives on behalf of diverse stakeholders. The overarching goal is to consistently provide appropriate, high-quality care, considering resource constraints, in order to improve individual- and population-level health outcomes [1]. Healthcare stakeholders include patients and their advocates, medical products manufacturers, healthcare provider organizations of different sizes and structures, health insurance providing organizations or agencies, as well as health information technology (IT), data capture, quality or process improvement, and educational services providers. As a consequence, various organizations and stakeholders have approached the definition of value differently. Some have developed broader conceptual models or value frameworks, while others have more narrowly defined value based on specific parameters of interest. In addition, different medical professions, disciplines, and specialties have various levels of exposure or training in healthcare decision-making and optimization under constraints. In relation to clinical care and education initiatives, there has been an increased focus on delivering value in healthcare, and moving from volume-based, physician-centered care models to value-based, patient-centered models. Some have referred to this as using a value lens for decision-making or implementing “the value agenda” [1]. However, the ultimate perception of value is determined by a judgment on the relative importance of effectiveness, safety, and costs by specific stakeholders, which differ across political and cultural contexts [2].