Perspectives on clinical outcomes assessment: a view for the allied health professions

The purpose of clinical outcomes assessment is well recognized by allied health professionals, but several obstacles have impeded the conduct of such research in the allied health professions. Many professionals have difficulty in determining how to begin. To explore the research possibilities already available within the health care environment, a way to visualize and organize the potential variables is needed. In light of a taxonomy of patient outcomes, an effort is made here to summarize and portray the characteristics of the delivery system, the environmental and structural factors, and both patient and provider attributes. Many of these aspects of outcomes investigations are within the purview and capabilities of allied health professionals. Through a division of labor among the professions, a mosaic can be collectively created that validates what they do and the value they add to patient care.