The role of outcomes research in improving the quality of medical care.
The proliferation of medical tec'hnology, including prescription drugs, devices, and procedures, is often
perceived in the current managed healthcare environment as a threat to the ability of managed care
organizations to control healthcare costs. However, the ongoing need for new technologies and innovations
in medical care demands that we look beyond the cost of developing and acquiring such technologies
to the outcomes being achieved with the resources invested. We need to document not only costs and/or
clinical outcomes related to such technologies and interventions, but also measures such as cost effectiveness, patient quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Outcomes research is the therm given to the assesment of such measures.
Kunz
K
K
Technology Assessment Group, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Mazonson
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P