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At the end of this section, you will be able to:

‹ Define outcome

‹ Discuss ways outcomes can be classified

Evaluating Outcomes of Innovations

Kathleen A. Rich

18.1 What Is an Outcome?

Implementing an innovation, policy, or procedure does not necessarily guarantee that it will become the
standard of care. Ongoing evaluation of an innovation through outcome measurements is necessary to
ensure successful incorporation into clinical practice. According to Webster’s, an outcome is defined as a
consequence or visible result. Nursing outcomes measure states, behaviors, or perceptions of individuals,
families, or communities (Moorehead, Johnson, Maas, & Swanson, 2013). Outcomes research examines
the end results of health services on individuals and is intended to provide scientific evidence relating to
decisions made by all who participate in health care. It also takes into account the patient’s preferences
and values (Krumholz, 2009). In nursing research, the outcome is frequently known as the dependent
variable (Polit & Beck, 2014).

Outcomes may be classified by several different methods. One way outcomes can be classified is
by focusing on who is being measured. Nurses may measure outcomes for individuals, groups, or
organizations.

CHAPTER 18