#Singapore #Value-Based Care #National University Health System

Celebrating a Decade of Value-Based Care at NUHS

The National University Health System (NUHS) recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating ten years since the implementation of its Value-Driven Outcomes (VDO) framework. This strategic initiative has profoundly altered the landscape of healthcare in Singapore, benefiting more than 300,000 patients by focusing on delivering high-quality, value-based care.

Over the past decade, NUHS has remarkably saved 18,225 bed days, translating into substantial economic efficiency within the healthcare system, valued at over SG$13 million in cost avoidance annually. These accomplishments were unveiled during the NUHS Appropriate and Value-Based Care (AVBC) Symposium 2026, where influential healthcare leaders, clinicians, and policymakers gathered to discuss the systematic changes and outcomes achieved through this transformative model.

A Proven Impact in Healthcare Delivery

Since its inception in 2015, the VDO framework has successfully prevented 793 emergency readmissions within a 30-day span, while improving patient outcomes across more than 75 clinical conditions. Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Health, officiated the symposium, highlighting how NUHS’s initiatives have shaped national health policies.

A notable accomplishment of this initiative is the publication of two books during the symposium: A Practical Framework for Measuring Health Outcomes at the National University Health System, Singapore The First Decade of Our Journey and the NUHS Clinical Outcomes Book. These publications detail the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals and document significant lessons learned, showcasing the innovations and impact achieved over the past ten years.

According to Adj A/Prof Diarmuid Murphy, Group Chief Value Officer at NUHS, the data reveals a clear message: measuring what matters to patients leads to better outcomes for the healthcare system as a whole. The critical question now is not whether value-based care is effective, but rather how swiftly it can be scaled.

Expansion of the VDO Initiative

Starting with just 14 pilot conditions at the National University Hospital (NUH), the methodology's success prompted the Ministry of Health to adopt it nationally through the National Value-Driven Care (VDC) program in 2017. Initially limited to 18 conditions, its application has expanded to include over 75 clinical conditions and service lines across various healthcare settings, from primary to tertiary care. Through workshops and training, healthcare professionals have been equipped to integrate value into everyday practices, thereby enhancing overall service delivery.

One area of growth has been the evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). For instance, in stroke care, in addition to clinical factors, the assessment now includes non-motor symptoms and aspects that significantly impact the well-being of young adult stroke survivors. Recent data indicated that among stroke patients, 39.4% reported anxiety symptoms and 24.4% experienced fatigue, demonstrating the necessity of a holistic approach in treatment plans.

Transforming Care Locations

NUHS’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its NUHS@Home program, which provides hospital-level care in patients' homes. Launched in 2020, this program has positively impacted over 11,400 patients and saved an impressive 68,200 hospital bed days. By allowing patients to receive care in familiar surroundings, the program signifies a shift towards a home-first model, promoting safety and convenience.

The success of NUHS@Home is underpinned by its integration of clinical outcomes and patient experience measurements. Approximately 87% of patients managed under this program completed their care at home without requiring hospital readmission. Furthermore, 95% of participants reported a willingness to recommend the service to others, indicating a high level of satisfaction.

Future Prospects

As the NUHS embarks on the next phase of its journey, the principles of value-based care will deepen their integration into healthcare practices, influencing workforce training and care redesign. By continually measuring what is crucial to patients and tailoring care, NUHS aims to build a healthcare system that not only responds effectively to patient needs today but is also sustainable for future generations.

The impact of NUHS’s decade-long journey reinforces the notion that when we prioritize what truly matters in health outcomes, both patients and healthcare systems thrive. As NUHS looks ahead, the objective remains clear: to deliver appropriate, sustainable, and meaningful care to those they serve, thus setting a standard for healthcare excellence within Singapore and beyond.