An overview of outcomes research and measurement.

Rapidly rising healthcare costs, questions about effective medical intervention, and the need for efficient delivery of healthcare services have compelled organizations to focus on outcomes research, measurement, and management. Proponents of outcomes measurement predict that it will produce significant benefits, including improved physician and patient information, increased understanding of the effectiveness of different treatment interventions, and established guidelines for medical management. Multiple professional organizations, academic centers, and independent research laboratories, as well as government agencies, are now involved in the research and development of outcomes measurement tools. This article provides some insight into the outcomes phenomenon.