A classification scheme for outcome indicators.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a framework for classifying outcome indicators for a more comprehensive view of outcomes and quality.


METHODS
Review of outcomes literature published since 1974 from medicine, nursing, and health services research to identify indicators. Outcome indicators were clustered inductively.


RESULTS
Three groups of outcome indicators were identified: patient-focused, provider-focused, and organization-focused. Although investigators tend to focus on a select few outcome indicators, such as patient satisfaction, quality of life, and mortality, many indicators exist to measure outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Selecting and integrating a wide array of outcome indicators from the various categories will provide a more balanced view of health care delivery as compared with focusing on a few common indicators or only one category.
Jennings
B M
BM
U.S. Army Nurse Corps, Falls Church, VA, USA. bonnie.jennings@otsg.amedd.army.mil
Staggers
N
N
Brosch
L R
LR
D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000145:classification; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D009026:Mortality; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000145:classification*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000145:classification*; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results