A classification scheme for outcome indicators

Purpose: To provide a framework for classifying outcome indicators for a more comprehensive view of outcomes and quality. Methods: Review of outcomes literature published since 1974 from medicine, nursing, and health services research to identify indicators. Outcome indicators were clustered inductively. Findings: Three groups of outcome indicators were identified: patient-focused, provider-focused, and organization-focused. Although investigators tend to focus on a select few outcome indicators, such as patient satisfaction, quality of life, and mortality, many indicators exist to measure outcomes. Conclusions: Selecting and integrating a wide array of outcome indicators from the various categories will provide a more balanced view of health care delivery as compared with focusing on a few common indicators or only one category.