Seven steps for adding value to integrated delivery systems.

Abstract

"Value is a spectrum of needs that you seek to fulfill," says Dean C. Coddington, senior author of Making Integrated Health Care Work. And adding value to products and services is becoming more crucial as healthcare organizations look for ways to stand out among competitors. The seven basic components of value for an integrated system, says Mr. Coddington, are improving quality of care, improving service, improving accessibility, reducing unit costs, increasing operating efficiency, strengthening customer ties and enhancing product offerings. In this issue, The Quality Letter reports on how several systems have used these seven components to increase patient and purchaser satisfaction.