Unlocking the path to health care's future: Christobel Saunders on Person-Centred Value-Based Care. Join us in Melbourne on 2 and 3 September 2024.

As we look forward to the 2024 Australasian Forum on Person-Centred Value-Based Health Care (PCVBHC), we are excited to announce that Professor Christobel Saunders will be joining us as a guest speaker. In the Q&A below, she shares her insights on how PCVBHC could shape the future of cancer care. Christobel emphasises the importance of understanding individual values and goals, which can lead to more resilient, sustainable, and adaptable care. By adopting this approach, patient outcomes and experiences can be significantly improved, resulting in better treatment journeys and overall well-being. It's an enlightening conversation that offers valuable insights into the future of health care.

Read Christobel's full biography on the Forum website.

Q&A with Professor Christobel Saunders

What motivated you to integrate PCVBHC into your daily practice, and what benefits have you observed for both yourself and your patients??

CS: In my view, it's absolutely imperative that we evolve our approach to health care delivery, considering the increasing strain on our health care systems worldwide. With an aging population, rising instances of comorbidities, dwindling resources, and a workforce that's stretched thin, the current model is unsustainable. We must strive for a more effective approach, one that focuses on delivering better value in health care. However, this shift must not only prioritise a Value-Based care framework; it's equally crucial that we adopt a person-centred approach. Understanding the outcomes that truly matter to patients— their values and goals— is paramount in reshaping our approach to care delivery. This approach not only ensures better treatment experiences but also cultivates a health care system that's more resilient, sustainable, and adaptable to diverse individual needs. As a cancer specialist, I understand the importance of not only curing cancer but also ensuring patients' overall well-being. This involves understanding their personal priorities, such as minimising treatment complications and pain, facilitating smooth recovery from surgery, and helping them regain normalcy in their lives. By aligning care with the individual goals of each patient, we can provide truly person-centred care, enabling them to reclaim a sense of normalcy and resilience after receiving the devastating diagnosis of cancer.?

Can you share a specific example of how PCVBHC has positively impacted patient outcomes or experiences in your practice??

CS: A compelling illustration of the imperative for PCVBHC lies within the realm of survivorship care. This phase, following active cancer treatment involving surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, marks a pivotal moment in a patient's journey. Beyond merely enduring treatment, the focus shifts to enabling individuals to reclaim a sense of normalcy and actively engage in their lives once again. This means supporting them in reintegrating into society, whether it's returning to work, enjoying hobbies, nurturing relationships, or contributing to their community. To achieve this, it's essential to align care with the patient's values and goals, prioritising not only short-term but also long-term well-being by minimising treatment side effects. By adopting a person-centred approach tailored to each individual's needs, we aim not just for survival, but for thriving beyond cancer treatment. Recognising the heightened risk of other health conditions post-cancer, such as cardiovascular diseases or secondary cancers, underscores the importance of comprehensive and personalised care. This proactive approach ensures that patients are not just surviving cancer, but attaining optimal health and vitality in the long run.?

What advice would you offer to your younger self when you were initially attempting to integrate PCVBHC into your daily practice??

CS: There are numerous aspects to consider within PCVBHC, and I believe three significant factors are crucial for successful integration into practice. Firstly, taking the initial step is paramount. It's not just a task to be completed; rather, it's a fundamental shift in mindset and approach. Embracing the idea that change is possible and beginning to implement it, even in small ways, is essential. Secondly, understanding the necessary resources is vital. Although it may be challenging, particularly in navigating data utilisation, recognising the role of data-driven systems in facilitating this journey is crucial. Identifying available data and other essential resources is key to progress. Lastly, rallying support from colleagues and stakeholders is indispensable. Cultivating a culture that champions person-centred care involves persuading others and strategically planning for this transformation from the outset. Often, our workplaces operate within entrenched systems, revolving around convenience for clinicians or administrative expediency. Shifting this mindset requires concerted efforts to align services with the individual needs of patients, rather than merely adhering to established norms. Ultimately, it's about reorienting our approach towards a more holistic and person-centric model of care.?

What do you hope to gain or learn from attending the Australasian Forum on Person-Centred Value-Based Health Care, and how do you plan to apply this knowledge in your practice??

CS: Certainly, this is a rapidly evolving field both in terms of clinical practice and research. For me, these two aspects are intricately linked—the practical application in clinical settings and the ongoing need for research to deepen our understanding. It presents a remarkable opportunity to convene some of the brightest minds globally in this domain, to not only glean insights from their experiences but also to identify areas where knowledge gaps persist. By collaborating, we can adapt approaches to suit our unique health care systems and pinpoint areas where further research is required. It's crucial to gather evidence to support the implementation of PCVBHC in clinical practice. Without empirical validation, effecting meaningful change becomes challenging. Hence, at the conference, we aim to look at existing evidence, explore innovative practices, and delineate research opportunities to advance this transformative agenda.?

How do you envision the future of health care evolving with the widespread adoption of PCVBHC principles??

CS: It's crucial to emphasise that our health care systems must evolve; the status quo isn't sustainable, as I mentioned earlier. So, how do we adapt? Shifting towards a value-based model is essential, while maintaining a strong focus on person-centred care. Additionally, we must prioritise equity. In Australia, for instance, approximately 23% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, and nearly 30% were born abroad. This diverse cultural landscape underscores the necessity of tailoring care to individual needs, considering their language, cultural background, and community dynamics. Adapting our approach to meet the needs of these diverse populations, valuing what matters most to them and their communities, is imperative for ensuring equitable health care delivery.

Secure your early bird ticket for the 2024 Australasian Forum on PCVBHC

The 2024 Australasian Forum on PCVBHC?is a must-attend event for all stakeholders committed to driving positive change in health care delivery. By bringing together health care professionals, health care system leaders, consumer representatives, academics and students, policy decision makers, industry leaders, and payers this Forum serves as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and transformation.?

Join us as we come together to shape the future of health care and build a more person-centred, value-driven health care system for all.?

We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne in September 2024!

Book your place now.