Outcomes research: getting started, defining outcomes, a framework, and data sources

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Research
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are integral to healthcare delivery systems.
• APNs possess unique insights into patient care processes and outcomes.
• There is a need for APNs to actively participate in outcomes research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of fundamental knowledge and skills for APNs undertaking patient outcome studies.
• To guide APNs in initiating patient outcome exploration through quality improvement.
• To facilitate the progression of APNs from quality improvement to outcomes research.

Main Methods:

• The article provides a conceptual overview, not a specific study methodology.
• It focuses on the application of basic principles for outcome assessment.
• Emphasis is placed on a progressive learning curve from novice to expert APN.

Main Results:

• APNs are well-positioned to conduct patient outcome evaluations.
• Basic principles enable APNs to initiate outcome studies via quality improvement.
• Mastery of these principles allows APNs to contribute to significant outcomes research.

Conclusions:

• APNs can effectively explore, identify, measure, and evaluate patient outcomes.
• Quality improvement activities serve as a foundational step for APNs in outcomes research.
• APNs play a crucial role in advancing the outcomes research agenda.