OBJECTIVES: Decision-making within a patient-centered healthcare system places emphasis on the value of services or products. The definition of success is tailored to encompass multidimensional clinical and non-clinical measures and metrics. However, the value of digital innovations is frequently overlooked. Given the novel nature of digital interventions, new evaluation approaches are necessary to comprehensively capture the entire healthcare process from multiple perspectives in a holistic manner.

METHODS: This study utilizes a triangulation approach, incorporating qualitative semi-structured interviews (N=14), literature research on acceptance theory (N=53), and reviews of studies evaluating digital applications (N=86). Through this process, value measures across multiple dimensions were identified.

RESULTS: The concept was developed to address the diverse requirements of all stakeholders involved in decision-making. As a result, three levels have been identified: patient level, system level, and provider level. These levels encompass value dimensions, including structural outcome measures, attitudinal outcome measures, behavioral outcome measures, clinical outcome measures, and financial outcome measures. Within these dimensions, a comprehensive catalog of measures and metrics was created to establish a composite value index for digital applications.

CONCLUSIONS: This value concept identifies holistic criteria that influence decision-making, allowing stakeholders to support pricing and reimbursement of digital healthcare interventions. This enables the establishment of a patient-centered healthcare system that prioritizes satisfying patients' health-related needs. Political decision-makers, third-party payers, and innovators can utilize this cohesive approach to define value in healthcare decision-making. By applying the value equation as a comprehensive evaluation framework, the aim is to enhance clinical and financial outcomes in digital care.