Cooperation and consensus in the outcomes movement.

The "outcomes movement" is based on the confluence of two streams of influence: the translation of clinical outcomes research to applied settings and managed care's interest in competition and accountability. Leadership of the movement is diffuse, yet outcomes practitioners recognize the need for greater collaboration and information exchange. Two recent efforts to establish an ongoing forum for outcomes cooperation led to four consensus-based goals for collaboration: to disseminate information, to standardize measurement methods, to inform public opinion and public policy, and to use outcomes information to improve the quality of care. Obstacles to further progress on these four goals include lack of resources, lack of organization, and lack of leadership. Options for addressing these obstacles are presented.