Value Analysis Program

"Rooted in Judeo-Christian values, the mission of HealthEast is high-quality, compassionate and cost effective health care
for the communities we serve."

HealthEast's mission acknowledges our focus on cost effective care and the importance of managing expenses. In support of this, it is the mission of the Value Analysis Program to: evaluate, trial, select and implement products and services that provide the greatest value for HealthEast Care System.

HealthEast's Value Analysis Program is a nationally recognized award-winning program that was implemented in 1989. It is the policy of HealthEast that all products and equipment must be reviewed by the Value Analysis Program prior to purchase for continued use, or implementation.

About Value Analysis

"Value Analysis" is the process of evaluating products, equipment, services and processes to identify the requirements and specification(s) necessary for successful outcomes without compromising quality. Users participate as members of committees representing their area. The program is comprised of 15 committees and involves more than 170 management and staff employees, as well as medical staff.

The program provides a reliable and methodical process for employees, physicians and vendors to pursue product evaluations and trials, and to review supply related processes. Program decisions are based on quality and total cost. VHA/Novation contracts and programs are given preferential consideration, as are other strategic relationships.

Value Analysis Program Committees

• Anesthesia
• Cardiopulmonary
• Cardiovascular (CVIC)
• Engineering
• Housekeeping
• Implementation
• Laboratory
• Labor & Delivery
• Nursery
• Nursing
• Nutrition Services
• Orthopaedics & Neurology
• Peripheral Vascular
• Physician Services
• Radiology
• Respiratory
• Sterile Processing
• Surgery
  

Committee Membership

Members in Value Analysis committees includes staff and management representatives. Physicians participate either ad hoc or indirectly through committee members. The committees make recommendations for their respective areas and expertise. These recommendations are reviewed monthly by the Implementation committee, which ensures that the recommendations are appropriately evaluated by all areas affected and are consistent with the organization's practices and objectives.

Committee Member Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate products, services, processes, ideas and initiatives. Make recommendations to accept and implement, reject or trial.
• Participate in committee meeting discussions and provide personal expertise and/or facility perspective.
• Communicate and promote committee activities and decisions to respective facility and department staff.
• Maintain a team attitude and conviction that system-wide decisions are essential and beneficial. Be willing to support Value Analysis Program decisions over individual preferences.
• Assess items based on total value.
• Participate and support implementation of recommendations.

Value Analysis Program Process

Integration Committee

The Integration committee includes members from Infection control, Clinical Education, Bio Med and Materials Management.

Integration Committee Responsibility

• Evaluate and approve individual committee recommendations based on quality and financial impact.
• Ensure that recommendations have been properly evaluated and supported by all affected areas.
• Approve product trials.
• Develop and manage implementation plans.

Communication

Once a decision is made and implemented it is important that any feedback or issues be communicated to Materials Management.

A Materials Management hotline has been established to provide employees and physicians with a resource to report product feedback, issues and suggestions twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline number is 651-232-1070.

All calls are tracked until resolved. Calls are assigned to the appropriate Materials Management representative to coordinate evaluation, resolution and a response.