EXAMINING VALUE-BASED PROCUREMENT IN THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE SERVICE (NHS): A CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE REVIEW CONSIDERING SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

Abstract

Recently, procurement teams in the National Health Service (NHS) have begun to shift away from focusing on reducing individual product costs and have instead begun to focus on reducing total costs within the patient pathway. This report examines value-based procurement (VBP) in the National Health Service (NHS), considering sustainability initiatives. The work addresses the increasing importance of aligning economic, social, and environmental dimensions in healthcare procurement decisions. The scope covers an in-depth examination of value-based procurement within the NHS, focusing mainly on integrating sustainability initiatives. The study is conducted through a systematic review of scholarly articles and research publications that examine the relationship between sustainability initiatives and VBP in the NHS. Three main themes emerged from the literature: (1) Contribution of sustainability initiatives to enhancing the understanding of the relationship between sustainability and value-based procurement, (2) Main challenges and barriers healthcare organisations face in implementing value-based procurement strategies incorporating sustainability initiatives, and (3) Impact of integrating sustainability initiatives in value-based procurement on the overall cost-effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare procurement processes. Findings indicate that VBP has the potential to include broader considerations beyond cost, such as patient well-being, environmental impact, and innovation. Challenges identified include diverse barriers, including regulatory constraints, resistance to change, and a lack of clear definitions for sustainability and value. Moreover, integrating sustainability into VBP processes generates positive impacts such as reductions in carbon emissions, improved patient care, and social value outcomes. The conclusions emphasise the complex nature of integrating sustainability into VBP practices, requiring transparent and flexible approaches. Leadership, collaboration, and education emerge as enablers to overcome challenges. Integrating sustainability may result in various benefits, from environmental conservation to social and economic advantages. Recommendations include the need for NHS to prioritise integrating sustainability considerations in VBP practices, encourage collaboration and leadership, and adopt allinclusive approaches that address sustainability goals.