Value Analysis Team

The Value Analysis Team is staffed with Materials Management professionals working in the Supply Chain Management Department. These dedicated professionals work in close collaboration with those Supply Chain Management staff assigned to Contracting and Procurement. Collectively they support the patient quality / financial goals of UAMS. The Value Analysis Committee is governed by the Steering Committee which will provide direction and leadership to the VAT structure as a whole. This will consist of establishing product review processes, review of supply expenses and education to those who select to utilize supplies.

UAMS has various VAT Committees that specialize in patient care disciplines across the healthcare spectrum. These committees meet on a regular basis to share ideas and look at ways to improve patient outcomes while being cost effective to the campus. This approach includes:

• Best practice standards
• Support by leadership
• Interdisciplinary involvement
• A consistent decision making process
• Physician involvement

Membership on one of the Value Analysis Committees (VAC) is multidisciplinary in nature and will include individuals that are qualified by clinical and or professional background and will be charged to manage and maintain the product selection process established by the Value Analysis Steering Committee. Objectives of the VA Team are:

• Provide a point of entry and screening process for the consideration of new products into UAMS
• Analyze, evaluate and monitor all trials of new supplies or equipment
• Recommend the standardization of products when two or more are used to perform the same function
• Control and oversee the entry of sample products into the hospital and utilize the Value Analysis process for product selection and implementation
• Creating and providing for the VAT teams financial and contractual analysis studies
• Insuring compliance with policies with regard to product utilization, handling and distribution for the purposes of maximizing cost containment and reimbursement

Technology Assessment Committee (TAC) – Part of the Value Analysis Team’s responsibility is the support the TAC Committee. The TAC committee meets monthly and reviews requests for new and emergent technology to UAMS. The TAC team will provide product information and/or white papers to support the technology and possible benefits for Physician consideration. If the new technology is approved the VAT will provide assistance in the most efficient and cost beneficial way to expedite the approved technology.

Kara Otis
Director of Value Analysis