The Glioma Outcomes Project: a resource for measuring and improving glioma outcomes

The author describes the Glioma Outcomes (GO) Project which conducts outcomes research and develops educational programs to benefit patients who undergo surgery for glioma. In January 1997 an advisory board of neurosurgeons, neurooncologists, and clinical research scientists was formed to establish the policies governing this project and to control the dissemination of aggregate data on clinical practices and outcomes. This voluntary database is designed to 1) guide the development of educational programs to improve the care of patients and 2) provide a mechanism by which physicians can evaluate the impact of their diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in a manner that is timely, confidential, and objective.