Outcomes research

Outcomes research is a branch of public health that studies the end results (outcomes) of the health care services. The goal of outcomes research is to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care by understanding what treatments work best for which patients and in what circumstances.

Definition

Outcomes research is defined as the study of the end results of health care services. This research aims to understand the effectiveness of various treatments and interventions in real-world settings, rather than in controlled clinical trials. The outcomes of interest in this research include mortality, morbidity, functional status, mental health, and quality of life.

History

The field of outcomes research emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the need for evidence about the effectiveness of health care services. The growth of this field has been driven by the increasing complexity and cost of health care, as well as the need for evidence to inform health policy decisions.

Methodology

Outcomes research uses a variety of research methods, including epidemiological, economic, and social science methods. The choice of method depends on the research question and the available data. Outcomes research often involves the analysis of large datasets, such as administrative health data or patient registries.

Applications

Outcomes research has a wide range of applications in health care. It can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments, to compare the cost-effectiveness of different interventions, and to assess the quality of care in different health care settings. Outcomes research can also inform health policy decisions and guide the development of clinical guidelines.

Challenges

Despite its potential, outcomes research faces several challenges. These include the difficulty of measuring outcomes, the complexity of health care systems, and the need for large, high-quality datasets. In addition, outcomes research must deal with issues of confounding and bias, as well as the challenge of translating research findings into practice.

See also

• Health services research
• Patient-reported outcome
• Quality of life
• Health economics

References

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