Surgical outcomes research--a new paradigm for clinical research?
Tandan, V.R.
International Surgery 85(4): 313-316
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-8868 PMID: 11589598 Document Number: 517007
To define outcomes research in terms of a paradigm, grouping six existing research methodologies. Although outcomes research is becoming an increasingly popular area in clinical research, an accepted definition is difficult to find. The term 'outcomes research' is often used in the context of a research methodology. Topics in dinical research which have been termed 'outcomes research' are discussed including: databases, quality of life studies, effectiveness studies, economic evaluations, small-area rate variation analysis and volume outcome studies, as well as practice guideline development. Outcomes research is not a research methodology in its own right, but a paradigm which groups existing methodologies, providing a structured approach to evaluating the outcomes which are most important to patients, society and those who pay for health care.