Impact of the value driven outcomes program among cataract surgery patients in Singapore: an interrupted time series analysis

Abstract

Background: Healthcare cost is increasing rapidly in Singapore. Moving towards a value-based healthcare framework enables a sustainable health system. The National University Hospital (NUH) implemented the Value Driven Outcome (VDO) Program for cataract surgery due to its high volume and cost variability. We aimed to evaluate the association between VDO program implementation and costs and quality outcomes for cataract surgery in NUH. Methods: We conducted an interrupted time-series analysis for cataract surgery episodes between January 2015 and December 2018. Using segmented linear regression models, we estimate the changes in levels and trends of cost and quality outcomes post-program implementation. We adjusted for autoregression and various confounders. Results: Following VDO program implementation, the total cost of cataract surgery had a significantly decreased by $327.23 (95% CI: -$421.04 to -$233.43; p < 0.01) and the trend significantly decreased by $13.75 per month (95% CI: -$23.19 to -$4.30 per month; p < 0.01). There was a small improvement in the combined quality outcome score (0.028, 95% CI: 0.016 to 0.040; p < 0.01), but the trend remained unchanged. Conclusion: The VDO program was associated with a reduction in cost without compromising on quality outcomes. The program provides a structured methodology to measure performances, and through these data, initiatives were implemented to improve value. There are benefits to providing a data reporting system to physicians to understand actual care costs and quality outcomes achieved by individual patients with defined clinical conditions.