Outcomes research: a methodologic review.
OBJECTIVE
We explored the history and conceptual trends of outcomes research.


METHODS
We described different aspects of this field, after dividing it into conceptually distinct strata.


RESULTS
Outcomes research can be divided into macro, meso and micro levels. Each level is further subdivided. Macro-level research targets cost and health care utilization, as well as racial, ethnic and geopolitical population health determinants. Meso-level studies address effectiveness, variability, disease impact, clinical modeling and program evaluation studies. Finally, micro-level studies address all aspects of direct patient-clinician decision-making.


CONCLUSIONS
An explosion of outcomes research has occurred in the past decades. Wide access to information technology, data sharing and collaborative efforts between researchers represent some of the ingredients that did and will continue to fuel that growth.
Karakiewicz
Pierre I
PI
Cancer Prognostics and Health Outcomes Unit, University of Montreal, Canada. pierre.karakiewicz@umontreal.ca
Briganti
Alberto
A
Chun
Felix K-H
FK
Valiquette
Luc
L
D006801:Humans; D049451:Nomograms; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011468:Prostatectomy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D014572:Urology