Outcomes measurement requires nursing to shift to outcome-based practice.

The measurement of outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of nursing care delivered is essential. This article will outline the history of outcomes measurement in nursing, the definition and levels of outcomes, the differentiation between process interventions and outcome statements, and the monitoring of outcomes at the staff nurse and case manager levels. Care management methodologies to assist in outcome management will be discussed. In the end, the development of nursing knowledge and innovation in care strategies and advanced clinical decision making is dependent on the measurement of intermediate and end result outcomes.