Outcomes assessment: a primer.
The routine assessment of outcomes, including clinical and functional outcomes, charges, cost and effectiveness data, and complications of treatment, as well as HRQOL and patient satisfaction, are essential to demonstrate and ensure the quality of care. Secondary to patient-related concerns, outcomes data provide a tool for use by the surgeon in proving (and improving) the quality of care rendered. These tools, as well as surgical input into the development of outcomes indicators, will allow surgeons to practice more effectively in a managed care environment.
Reemtsma
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Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA.
Morgan
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D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000592:standards; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States