The role of outcomes data in health-care resource allocation.

The purpose of this article was to provide information about the importance of outcome measures in the health-care resource allocation scenario. The increasing focus on outcome measures as a more suitable way to demonstrate the value of services is discussed. Health-care trends toward the use of data from patient outcomes to justify treatment needs and reimbursement are described. Important outcomes including patient satisfaction, functional status, and quality of life are presented. Outcome assessment strategies and requirements are considered in the wider context of evidence-based practice, clinical practice guidelines, and performance measures. An outcomes management approach using the World Health Organization's classification system is suggested. Examples of audiological rehabilitation with hearing aids are provided to illustrate the application of outcome measures to hearing health care.