Creating value in work-focused healthcare

With the rise in chronic illnesses and an increasing retirement age, more people require support to remain employed. Work-focused healthcare plays a vital role in this,but the current healthcare system cannot meet the growing demand. This dissertation focuses on supporting value creation in work-oriented care,centered around the concepts of value-based healthcare (VBHC) and human-centered design (HCD). The research is divided into three parts:

Value creation in social insurance medicine
This section explores how VBHC can be applied in social insurance medicine, which assesses work capacity and provides guidance in return-to-work. Interviews with VBHC experts and insurance physicians highlight the importance of an organized process, collaboration with other professionals, and identifying key work outcomes.
Patient experiences and needs
Patients with chronic conditions need clear guidance, a transparent care process, empathetic caregivers, and tailored support. Interviews with employees with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) reveal that work adjustments, personalized advice, and improved communication with caregivers are critical.
Minimal set of work-related outcomes for patients with CVD
A questionnaire (V@W-Q23) was developed to measure work-related outcomes such as work participation, work capacity, and workplace support. Practical tests show that the questionnaire enhances communication between patients and professionals, while increasing focus on work-related challenges.

This dissertation contributes to a more patient-centered approach to work-focused healthcare, supporting the shift towards value-based healthcare.