PhD defence H. (Hendrik) van der Wal

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

Military health systems must deliver high-quality care while sustaining operational readiness, making outcomes such as functional recovery, mental health, and long-term participation essential. This dissertation demonstrates how value-based healthcare (VBHC) can strengthen military health systems by focusing on outcomes that matter most to service members and by aligning clinical performance with organisational and operational goals.

The research shows that many principles of value-based healthcare are already present within military medicine, particularly in outcome measurement and multidisciplinary collaboration. However, further progress is needed in digital infrastructure, data standardisation, and cost transparency. Perspectives of service members, clinicians, and commanders confirm that value extends beyond survival to include quality of life and sustainable return to duty or society. A major contribution of the thesis is the development of the international ICHOM Standard Set for Patients with Major Injury, enabling global comparison of outcomes across civilian and military trauma systems.

Value-based healthcare aligns closely with the mission and structure of military health systems and can strengthen both patient wellbeing and operational readiness. Its successful implementation requires sustained investment in digital systems, data standards, organisational culture, and international collaboration, supporting the development of a military-specific value-based healthcare model for future-ready military medicine.