Health outcomes research has become increasingly emphasized as a critical pursuit since the 1997 edition appeared. In introducing 13 chapters by colleagues with the U. of Minnesota, other US universities, and pharmaceutical companies, Kane (public health) reviews the importance of such research to quality of care, obstacles to it, key concepts, types of study designs, and conceptual modeling. He argues that randomized controlled trials are not the only valid scientific approach. Contributors address general and specific measures, analyses, research issues, and offer implementation guidelines. Cost-effectiveness and ethics are also treated. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Kane, Robert L., MD (Univ of Minnesota)The contributors were members of a graduate seminar on outcomes research led by the editor. Some are physicians with an interest in health services research and others are health services researchers.

Tags: understanding health care outcomes research