Tremendous scientific advances have brought powerful new tools for patient care. Patients are increasingly making decisions based on availability of the latest innovations and advances. The UVA Health System is responding in several ways. This virtually guarantees the best price, but even these are rising steadily. As a result, major efforts are underway to use these products more efficiently and effectively.
Improved utilization is a two pronged approach.
The first targets specific drugs or technologies and focuses best practice for those items. The second basic and probably more sustained change requires fundamental reengineering of the clinical practice process. It is multi-disciplinary. At times it conflicts with the prevailing medical culture of autonomous decision-making at the level of the patient and physician. Several examples of each approach in this area will also be discussed.