Value-Based Healthcare in Residency Training: a Perspective from Singapore

Value-based health care aims to achieve the best outcomes at the lowest cost. Many leading health systems worldwide have already begun to restructure care delivery guided by value-based concepts. Residency training programs will play a key role in the transition to value-based healthcare. However, incorporating value-based healthcare into residency programs has received little attention. This commentary introduces an approach developed in Singapore which encompasses structured teaching, clinical teaching, and evaluations. We elaborate on how educators can use avenues such as quality improvement initiatives and journal clubs to introduce concepts of value-based healthcare to residents. The curriculum is then reinforced by allowing residents to apply value-based concepts in their clinical rounds and multidisciplinary meetings. Lastly, we give examples of how residents can be assessed with a value-based healthcare component in their in-training examinations and posting evaluations. This approach contributes to a well-planned and smoothly executed educational program in value-based healthcare for residents, which will be a keystone in the long-term success of the value-based healthcare model.