Keywords

evidence-based medicine, outcome and process assessment, practice guidelines, quality of health care, randomized controlled trials

Authors

1. Boren, Suzanne Austin MHA
2. Balas, Andrew E. MD, PhD

Abstract

There is a strong need to provide scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of specific health care interventions. Guidelines alone are unlikely to persuade physicians to modify their practice styles, unless research evidence having a motivational impact is also provided. Process-outcome parameters provide a solution for linking the process and outcome of health care and incorporate potentially motivating research evidence.