Outcomes analysis in cardiac surgery.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-1997

Journal Title

Perfusion

MeSH Headings

Cardiac Surgical Procedures, Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Coronary Artery Bypass, Databases, Factual, Hospitals, Special, Humans, Multicenter Studies as Topic, Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care), Program Evaluation, Risk Factors, Treatment Outcome, Virginia

Abstract

Outcomes research is a quantitative assessment of the results of care. Outcomes analysis provides information that benefits the physician, the patient, the institution and the health care purchasers. It provides relevant and timely information for the assessment of the heart centre's performance. Outcomes data have proven to be useful to the attending physicians by providing a basis for clinical decision making. Patients may be appraised of the usual results and the risks of various treatment strategies and make informed decisions on their care. The purchasers of health care will be better informed regarding the costs and effectiveness of the care being delivered. O'Connor et al. have stated that methods of improving care are often discussed but are difficult to achieve due to processes of care being hidden from view. Outcomes research is a comprehensive performance evaluation strategy that may be used to discover the impact of these hidden aspects of care. This technology of the patient's experience is bringing cardiac surgery to a new level of excellence.

ISSN

0267-6591

First Page

257

Last Page

261

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS