An overview of current research relating to outcomes of care

This paper has discussed the current emphasis on outcome indicators, the complexities of the outcome construct, and some of the studies that have been or are being conducted. It is obvious that although the need for outcomes for various categories of clients in long-term care is present, the development of them is slow and complicated. Researchers, however, are challenged to continue to develop and test valid outcome measures for this population; the federal mandate is already in place.