An AOA critical issue. The outcome of the outcomes movement.

The article discusses the outcomes movement. The outcomes movement has revolutionized clinical research, and there is increased emphasis on the use of validated outcomes measures. Three factors were pivotal in stimulating the outcomes movement. The first issue is the increasing cost of medical care. As a percentage of the gross national product, the cost of care, particularly in the United States, continues to rise. The second issue concerns the appropriateness of care. Eliminating in appropriate surgery has the potential to contain rising costs. The third factor is the phenomenon of geographic area variation, whereby the rates of surgical procedures vary according to where people live.