Certification teaches strategic approach to purchasing
The Value-based Product Evaluation and Implementation (VPEI) program is a national certificate for professionals making important decisions about products and services for their facilities. The program teaches how to propose change with confidence and build proposals tailored to the various needs and perspectives of key stakeholders.
Increasingly, leaders of all aspects of health care are being called upon to become more strategic in their approach to product evaluation and implementation as well as operational management. This approach is often referred to as CQO — the intersection of cost, quality and outcomes.
CQO takes a more holistic view of the correlation between cost (all costs associated with delivering patient care and supporting the care environment), quality (patient-centered care aimed at achieving the best possible clinical outcomes) and outcomes (financial reimbursement driven by outstanding clinical care at the appropriate costs) as opposed to viewing each independently.
This certification is the newest addition to AHE’s Strategic Leadership Series. Its aim is to help leaders in various disciplines to set a new standard of excellence with respect to procurement and change management. The two-day course helps to identify ways to transition from a tactical purchasing approach to a highly focused, strategic one. Leaders will be equipped to deliver value to their organizations by having an impact on clinical and financial outcomes.
The VPEI curriculum is built around four core competencies, and is designed to help participants cultivate and demonstrate their ability to analyze, evaluate, influence and justify cleaning and disinfection decisions (products and processes) that affect patient safety and quality of care.
The workshop uses multiple modalities including classroom instruction, video, games, small-group discussion, hands-on activities and takeaway tools to allow learners the opportunity to process and apply the concepts and skills being taught. The certificate program is designed around a real-life example of a facility director who is creating an actionable plan for change based on the principles of value analysis.
The program also focuses on the value of building credibility within your organization, and the foundational steps required to create a path to being recognized as a thought leader within your institution and having a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making.
The training places strong emphasis on not only what it takes to stay relevant in your management position, but how to lead with confidence. Visit www.ahe.org for more details.
Sandra Rials, M.S., is director of education for the Association for the Healthcare Environment.