title: Evaluating surgical outcomes.
abstract: The study of outcomes has become essential for guiding quality of-care assessment and for clinical research. In this article, the properties and process of patient outcomes measurement are described. The limitations of traditional outcomes are discussed and contrasted with the emerging concept of "patient-centered"outcomes, measured by validated instruments to assess the effects of surgical interventions on health-related quality of life, functional status, pain, and patient satisfaction. The strengths and weaknesses of several measurement tools used in the surgical literature are evaluated. Finally, the authors introduce "composite outcomes" as a reflection of the multidimensional nature of modern patient care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine Avenue West, Room S10-30, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bergman
authors.forename: Liane S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Feldman
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Barkun
mesh_terms: D004651:Employment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality