Try these resources for measuring outcomes
Try these resources for measuring outcomes
A growing focus on outcomes measurement has spawned numerous research projects around the country. Various associations are developing survey tools to monitor patient outcomes in same-day surgery and to create regional and national databases that managers could use as benchmarks.
Here is an overview of the activity in outcomes monitoring:
* American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
The academy is developing questionnaires to measure patients' functioning, satisfaction, pain, and general health in four clinical areas: spine, lower extremity, upper extremity, and pediatrics. The society tested the surveys and six software products that are commercially available by collecting data from 60 orthopedic practices. More than 30,000 patient outcomes records were collected in a 10-week trial. A national database is being created with outcomes information collected before surgery and at intervals of six weeks, six months, and one year after surgery.
The academy is enrolling orthopedic practices and will charge a subscription fee of about $500, with additional fees for each participating surgeon for training and periodic reports that provide comparisons with regional and national databases. (The final fees have not been determined.) Currently, subscriptions are limited to members of the academy or its subspecialty societies.
Contact: Chad Munger, Director, Department of Research and Scientific Affairs, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 6300 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018-4262. Telephone: (847) 384-4326, Fax: (847) 823-8027. E-mail: 8h00063h @macnet/macpo.aaos.usa.com.
* American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
The society created a national database to track functional health, surgical techniques, and surgery type for cataracts, refractive surgery, and glaucoma-related procedures. Other ophthalmic areas are being added. Currently, 90 ophthalmic practices are involved in the cataract project, with more than 13,000 patients. Reports are customized and provide analysis of outcomes comparisons.
The database is managed by Summit Medical Systems in Minneapolis, which also provides the software. The software costs $7,000, but Summit is developing the alternate option of paying an annual user fee of about $1,200 a year.
Contact: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 4000 Legato Road, Suite 850, Fairfax, VA 22033. Telephone: (800) 451-1339. Fax: (703) 591-0614.
* American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
The society is beginning an outcomes research pilot project on breast implant explanation with 15 to 20 sites. Data will be collected through patient questionnaires and information from the medical record before explanation and at intervals afterward. Data will include social function, general health and well-being, pain, emotional and psychological functioning, and appearance.
The study is coordinated by the Research Triangle Institute in Research Triangle Park, NC. The society is also developing a questionnaire for general use for ongoing outcomes assessment by surgeons with a variety of procedures. That survey will not be available until 1997.
Contact: Mary Patricia McKeever, Research Associate, American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, 444 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Telephone: (847) 228-9900. Fax: (847) 228-9131. E-mail: mpm@plas ticsurgery.org.
* American College of Surgeons.
The college is creating a "core data collection set" of tools for measuring patient quality of life and patient satisfaction, as well as clinical indicators. A "generic template" for outcomes measurement will be available for all surgeries. The college's Task Force on Outcomes, which is part of the Advisory Councils for the Surgical Specialties, will issue a report in October, including recommendations on how to administer the outcomes assessment. The task force also is developing disease-specific questions.
Contact: Megan Morgan, Administrative Manager, American College of Surgeons, 55 E. Erie, Chicago, IL 60611. Telephone: (312) 664-4050, ext. 208. Fax: (312) 440-7153. E-mail: mmor [email protected].
* American Society of Outpatient Surgeons (ASOS).
The society launched an outcomes research project with 30 sites that are collecting data on knee arthroscopy and laparoscopy for pelvic pain. Information on pain, nausea, infection, patient satisfaction, and patient education is gathered from the medical record and a follow-up phone call 23 hours after surgery. The survey results are transmitted via the Internet.
Eventually, ASOS envisions widespread outcomes data collection from members via the Internet, with the capability of providing an instant feedback report that compares outcomes results with a national or regional database. ASOS is collaborating with the Williamson Institute for Health Studies at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.
Contact: ASOS, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4267. Telephone: (800) 237-3768. Fax: (312) 321-6869.
* Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association (FASA).
FASA began a year-long outcomes study in January to collect such information as case cancellations, medication errors, unplanned return to surgery, and patient satisfaction. Information is collected quarterly, and participants will receive a final report that can be used for benchmarking. The study is open to FASA members only.
Contact: FASA, 700 N. Fairfax St., Suite 520, Alexandria, VA 22314. Telephone: (703) 836-8808. *
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