Patient care outcomes: a league of their own

Managed care has ushered in a whole new way of providing patient care. This era of health care delivery is heavily focused on the attainment of defined outcomes. While many types of outcome indicators exist, the types gaining in importance are related to patient care. This article examines the concept of patient outcomes and relates them to an actual example of one condition and related medical and nursing diagnoses. The importance of measurements in the overall care delivery process and the documentation of discharge outcomes are also discussed. A methodology for outcomes measurement determination is featured.