Outcomes Research: Past,Present,and Future

Abstract

Program Description: “Outcomes research” in medicine is now about 23 years old, and in otolaryngology almost 20 years old. In this miniseminar, some of the otolaryngologists who were involved in outcomes research from its inception will discuss the history, progress, and future opportunities for outcomes research, both in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, as well as medicine at large. We will also discuss needed next steps—and barriers—to gather the appropriate data to answer important questions for the future. Outcomes assessment will also become increasingly important at the licensure and regulatory level, and we will address those issues as well. The miniseminar will be organized as follows. First, a couple of speakers will give brief presentations on the history, current status, and potential future impacts of outcomes research in otolaryngology. We will discuss outcomes tool development, diseases studied, and the results from several large outcomes-based studies. Next, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Dr Stewart which will cover the following topics: Which outcomes assessment tools are currently used in clinical practice? Which outcomes instruments should we be using in practice? In which diseases have the findings from outcomes research changed clinical practice? What other diseases/areas are most in need of outcomes assessment, and also the related question of where might outcomes assessment actually change practice significantly? What have we learned about co-morbidity and severity staging? The panel will also discuss the role of outcomes assessment in Maintenance of Certification from the perspective of a state licensing board, and the American Board of Otolaryngology. One of the panelists has experience designing outcomes databases for other organizations, and he will relate his unique experience in this area. In addition, we will discuss the role of the Academy, the Board, and other central organizations in outcomes measurements, as well as how to select the best outcome tool, and how to create a database for outcomes assessment. Finally we will discuss the future of outcomes research. Are we teaching our residents and fellows the principles of outcomes assessment? Are we training enough faculty and non-faculty otolaryngologists on how to do good outcomes research? What opportunities do new training grants offer? What is the funding status for outcomes research overall, and in otolaryngology? What is the potential future of outcomes research in otolaryngology? We will also take questions from the audience.

Educational Objectives: 1) Learn the history of outcomes research in medicine and in otolaryngology. 2) Understand the results from outcomes studies in otolaryngology and their impact on patient care. 3) Be able to select outcomes tools for research, practice assessment, and maintenance of certification.