Outcomes measurement involves determining whether an outcome measure is valid and reliable. There are two types of outcome measures: Observer-reported and Process-measured. Both are evaluated using kappa and intra and inter-class correlation coefficients.
Process Outcome Measurement
Process outcome measurement tools are essential to the healthcare quality assurance process. It helps healthcare payers understand their strategies’ effectiveness and identify gaps in care. For example, a process outcome measure could be the number of times a service was provided to a target population. It may also monitor quality improvement efforts or identify beneficiaries at risk for a particular condition.
The concepts and procedures for process outcome measurement are covered in this book. It looks at standardized methods for outcome measurement and the evaluation and assessment process. This is a crucial resource for allied health professionals who want to assess their clinical practice. Although this textbook is aimed at allied health students, it is also valuable for those who work in the healthcare industry.
Principles and outcome measurement processes are based on the principle that services are a means to an end, not the end. The process often starts with a person-centered plan, followed by a series of tools and supports to achieve the person’s goals. Outcomes are then measured against a set of priorities.
Comparison of Outputs to Total Outputs
Comparing public service productivity is difficult due to the differences in methodology and coverage. However, growth rates of public service productivity are a helpful way to illustrate these concepts. Figure 2 shows growth rates of public service productivity for various service areas. This series excludes defense, police, and other government services.
Output measures the number of goods and services produced by businesses. It is adjusted for price changes over time and generally expressed in dollars. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses sales revenue data to calculate outputs for hundreds of industries, including private non-manufacturing and manufacturing sectors. The total production represents the dollar value of the goods and services businesses produce in each industry.
Another way to calculate the value of goods and services is to compare the outputs of various businesses. For example, a furniture manufacturer buys wood for $100 from a sawmill and sells it for $300. During the production process, the wood counts twice – once as an intermediate good and again as the value of the finished product. On the other hand, value-added emphasizes the additional importance of goods and services and is calculated by subtracting intermediate inputs from the economic output. This allows for a more accurate assessment of value added.
Validity
Validity of outcomes measurement principles and processes is essential for the integrity of healthcare data. PROMs must be used in contexts that allow them to be used safely and accurately. PROM data should be used with care, and all decisions should be backed up by other evidence. Developing and maintaining nomological networks of theories and evidence to support interpreting PROM data for broader purposes is an excellent way to improve PROM validity. Such evidence can be generated through various methods, including through communities of practice and repositories linked to specific organizations and researchers.
In addition to reliability, validity is also based on the extent to which a measurement captures an intended variable. The two terms are closely related, and reliability is a necessary but insufficient validity component. The most subjective form of validity is face validity, while construct validity concerns the appropriateness of inferences drawn from instrument measures.
Observer-Reported Outcome Assessment
Observer-reported outcome assessment (ObsRO) measures outcomes based on observation, not medical judgment. The measure is usually reported by a caregiver or person who observes the patient regularly. It is ideal for measuring outcomes in patients who cannot provide feedback independently.
There are several COA tools: patient-reported outcome assessment (PRO), clinician-reported outcome assessment (COA), and observer-reported outcome assessment (OROA). Although patient self-report is helpful, more is needed for all research studies. Other assessments may better measure the concept of interest. The PRO Consortium working groups have considered all COA tools and are working to standardize them.
While it is not possible to measure the intensity of pain in a child, observers can report on their child’s behavior, such as wincing or vomiting. The teacher is the appropriate observer for the assessment in a classroom setting.