Office-based clinical outcome studies: How I do it

Abstract

The popularity of outcome studies has risen dramatically over the past decade, particularly within the field of otolaryngology. Clinicians are increasingly exposed to outcomes research in peer-reviewed journals, and may be asked to document their own outcomes by insurers or other outside agencies. This article explores the importance and scope of outcomes research, emphasizing practical techniques for office-based data collection. The popularity of outcome studies has risen dramatically over the past decade, particularly within the field of otolaryngology. Clinicians are increasingly exposed to outcomes research in peer-reviewed journals, and may be asked to document their own outcomes by insurers or other outside agencies. This article explores the importance and scope of outcomes research, emphasizing practical techniques for office-based data collection.