Outcomes research

Outcomes Research
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Definition
Outcomes research denotes a study that aims at establishing the effectiveness of interventions or services that focus to promote the quality of health while focusing on the affected individual. Some of the measures that outcomes research looks at include cost-effectiveness, disease burden, health status, preferences, and the quality of life.
Sampling methods and study designs
In outcomes research, random sampling is rarely applied unless when it comes to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Apart from RCTs, most samples in outcomes research are obtained from large databases (Grove, Gray, & Burns, 2015). Clinical or administrative databases are used for sampling in outcomes research.
The most popular study designs for outcomes research are the observational research design and the quasi-experimental design. Observational research is a non-experimental study where the researchers observe the ongoing behavior of the participants. Observation is done directly and in the natural setting. On the other hand, a quasi-experimental design involves the use of a control and a test group without the application of randomness.
Important characteristics of outcomes research assessment instruments
The important traits of the assessment instruments used in outcomes research are as follows. The first trait is applicability. Any assessment tool used in outcomes research should be compatible with the assessment approach. The second trait is practicality.

The assessment tool should have clinical utility to validate the outcomes research results. The third crucial trait is comprehensiveness. The assessment tool used should have a wide range of measures. The fourth trait is that the assessment tool should be reliable. The fifth characteristic is validity.
Considerations when applying outcomes research to patient care
When applying outcomes research, several factors need to be put into consideration. The factors include morbidity, pain (acute or chronic), mortality, satisfaction, cost, and functional status.

Reference
Grove, S. K., Gray, J. R., & Burns, N. (2015). Outcomes research Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice (6th ed.).