The Medical Outcomes Study
An Application of Methods for Monitoring the Results of Medical Care
- Alvin R. Tarlov, MD;
- John E. Ware, Jr, PhD;
- Sheldon Greenfield, MD;
- Eugene C. Nelson, DSc;
- Edward Perrin, PhD;
- Michael Zubkoff, PhD
- From the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Menlo Park, Calif (Dr Tarlov); the New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass (Drs Ware and Greenfield); The RAND Corp, Santa Monica, Calif (Drs Ware and Greenfield); Hospital Corporation of America, Nashville, Tenn (Dr Nelson); University of Washington, Seattle (Dr Perrin); and Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH (Dr Zubkoff).
Abstract
The Medical Outcomes Study was designed to (1) determine whether variations in patient outcomes are explained by differences in system of care, clinician specialty, and clinicians' technical and interpersonal styles and (2) develop more practical tools for the routine monitoring of patient outcomes in medical practice. Outcomes included clinical end points; physical, social, and role functioning in everyday living; patients' perceptions of their general health and well-being; and satisfaction with treatment. Populations of clinicians (n = 523) were randomly sampled from different health care settings in Boston, Mass; Chicago, Ill; and Los Angeles, Calif. In the cross-sectional study, adult patients (n = 22 462) evaluated their health status and treatment. A sample of these patients (n = 2349) with diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and/or depression were selected for the longitudinal study. Their hospitalizations and other treatments were monitored and they periodically reported outcomes of care. At the beginning and end of the longitudinal study, Medical Outcomes Study staff performed physical examinations and laboratory tests. Results will be reported serially, primarily in The Journal.
(JAMA. 1989;262:925-930)
Footnotes
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The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the sponsors, participants, or other institutions involved.
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Reprint requests to The Institute for the Improvement of Medical Care and Health, New England Medical Center, Box 345, 750 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 (Dr Ware).
