Value-based healthcare:

time to deliver

Value-based healthcare offers a more sustainable future for care, but moving from concept to delivery remains a challenge.

In this new white paper, leading NHS, clinical, data, and procurement experts break down the barriers stalling progress, and outline the practical steps needed to turn evidence into action.

The challenge isn't defining value. It's delivering it.

The NHS is caring for an ageing population with increasingly complex needs, all while facing constrained resources, widening health inequalities, and continued pressure to improve productivity.

In this environment, simply delivering more activity alone isn't enough. What truly matters is the health outcomes that care achieves and the long-term value it creates.

Across the health system, a wealth of data can help identify what improves outcomes, where spending delivers value and where inequalities persist. But having the evidence doesn't automatically mean it shapes decisions.

Our new white paper examines what’s stalling progress, and what must change to deliver true value-based healthcare.

From discussion to action

The white paper examines some of the fundamental barriers standing between the NHS and a more value-based model of care and explores the practical levers that could help change behaviour.

The wrong yardstick: Why measuring activity alone can leave outcomes and wider value out of the picture.

The knowing-doing gap: Why evidence and insight don't necessarily translate into different decisions.

Changing behaviour: The structures, incentives and accountability needed to help evidence shape action.

Real-world examples: How practical examples demonstrate what value-based healthcare can look like in action.

From discussion to action: What a more evidence-led approach to healthcare decision-making could look like.

Built from conversation, not theory

Value-Based Healthcare: Time to Deliver was shaped by an executive roundtable of leaders and experts from across healthcare, data, clinical practice, procurement and policy. Together, they explored four questions at the heart of delivering value-based healthcare:

OUTCOMES: How do we measure what actually matters to patients?

DATA: How do we turn evidence into better decisions?

INCENTIVES: What enables organisations to act on evidence?

VALUE: How do we understand whole system value?

The findings were first presented at the inaugural Data Observatory Council Summit, where the white paper provided a foundation for further discussion on turning value-based healthcare into a reality.