Keywords

outcomes, outcomes management, outcomes research, performance, performance measures, report cards

 

Authors

  1. Jennings, Bonnie Mowinski RN, DNSc, FAAN
  2. Staggers, Nancy RN, PhD

Abstract

Outcomes are a topic of great interest.Their potential is considerable as a mechanism to evaluate quality, improve effectiveness, and link practice to professional accountability. Greater clarity and precision in the use of outcomes terminology will allow this potential to be realized. This article identifies the current confusion in outcomes terminology, begins an outcomes lexicon, and issues a call to action for further clarification in the language of outcomes.