Procedure-specific outcomes assessment for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
For many, if not most, of our new technology applications, it is time for a broadening of study goals to include clinical endpoints such as health-related quality of life. Similarly, effectiveness studies to evaluate the application of known and new technology in every day practice, are needed. Establishing uniform definitions and terminology for important constructs such as comorbidity, disease severity, endoscopic findings, and complications must be undertaken in order to ensure accuracy of conclusions. Critical evaluation of how we deliver care to patients with upper GI diseases requiring endoscopy, must proceed with the knowledge that medical care is a process, and within that process, is the means to deliver care of ever increasing quality and efficiency. In this context, this article provides a brief overview of our current knowledge and potential of outcomes research in upper GI endoscopy.
Schmitt
C M
CM
Department of Medicine, Office of Research, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Unit, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403, USA. cschmitt@mindspring.com
D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic