Outcomes research

Outcomes Research

Outcomes research (pronunciation: /ˈaʊtˌkʌmz rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/) is a branch of public health research that seeks to understand the end results of particular health care practices and interventions. The term originates from the 20th century, with the increasing need to assess the impact of health care decisions on patient outcomes.

Definition

Outcomes research is defined as the study of the end results of health care services that reflect the quality of care. This includes the effects that people experience and care about, such as change in the ability to function or symptoms. In particular, for individuals with chronic conditions—where cure is not always possible—end results include quality of life as well as mortality.

History

The concept of outcomes research emerged in the late 20th century, as health care providers and policy makers recognized the need to evaluate the effectiveness of health care interventions in real-world settings. The term "outcomes research" was coined to describe this new field of study.

Methodology

Outcomes research relies on data from various sources, including electronic health records, patient surveys, and clinical trials. The data is analyzed to determine the effectiveness of different treatments and interventions, and to identify factors that contribute to variations in health outcomes.

Related Terms

Health services research: A multidisciplinary field of inquiry, both basic and applied, that examines the use, costs, quality, accessibility, delivery, organization, financing, and outcomes of health care services to increase knowledge and understanding of the structure, processes, and effects of health services for individuals and populations.
Patient-reported outcome: A health outcome directly reported by the patient who experienced it. It stands in contrast to outcomes reported by someone else, such as a physician-reported outcome or a caregiver-reported outcome.
Quality of life: An individual's perception of their wellbeing in various life domains. Quality of life is a broad multidimensional concept that usually includes subjective evaluations of both positive and negative aspects of life.

Outcomes research