A conceptual model for outcome assessment

Nurse practitioners are concerned with demonstrating quality of care. Of the three variables which compose quality assessment, the third variable, outcome, provides the most direct and appropriate way to judge the nurse practitioner's special health orientation. Most studies have judged nurse practitioners' care based on medical standards and criteria. Starfield's conceptual model of outcome measures is health oriented. This model is a multi-dimensional health profile with categories that incorporate a longitudinal approach to outcome assessment. It allows for identification and evaluation of nursing effectiveness in primary care.