Perceived Applicability of Value-Based Healthcare in Military Health Systems: Results From a Pilot Survey Study.

Abstract

Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) is gaining traction in civilian systems, but its relevance and feasibility for Military Health Systems (MHSs) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) remain unclear. This pilot study explored familiarity, perceived applicability and desirability of VBHC among military healthcare stakeholders. A pilot cross-sectional perception study was conducted during the 2024 VIMIMED Military Medicine Conference, combining a brief expert introduction with a structured survey. The survey assessed baseline familiarity, perceived applicability in home-base and operational care, and desirability of VBHC implementation. Descriptive statistics were used. The association between familiarity and desirability was explored using Fisher's exact test. Among 65 workshop participants, 37 completed the survey. Over half of respondents reported low baseline familiarity with VBHC (51.4%). Despite this, VBHC was widely perceived as desirable (89.1%). No statistically significant association was found between familiarity and desirability (Fisher's exact test, P = .672). Thirty-five respondents considered VBHC applicable in at least one domain and were included in component-level analyses. The components "multidisciplinary team," "educate, innovate & improve," and "IT & data" were most frequently endorsed as applicable. Respondents who perceived VBHC as applicable in both home-base and operational care tended to endorse more components than those who perceived applicability in home-base care only. Despite limited baseline familiarity, VBHC was widely perceived as desirable and contextually applicable within CEE MHSs. These exploratory findings suggest potential for targeted, phased integration of selected VBHC components. Larger and, more representative studies are needed to assess implementation feasibility, pathways, and sustainability of VBHC in MHSs.