title: Challenges and obstacles in measuring outcomes.
abstract: Numerous factors contribute to the need for consultant pharmacists to understand and measure outcomes. Consumer groups, legislatures, regulatory and certification agencies, among others, are interested in this information. The science of quality improvement is still young. Distinguishing among three terms--quality indicators, quality measures, and benchmarks--is easy enough once they become familiar. The roots of most long-term care quality models rest on the Donabedian model. Care is necessary when selecting outcomes measures because several pitfalls exist. When carefully selected, outcomes measures can improve care immensely and decrease the risk of adverse events.
authors.forename: Guido R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Zanni
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000592:standards*; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care