Implementing Outcomes Collection in Clinical Practice

As we transition to value-based medicine, the incorporation of patient outcomes and satisfaction into compensation formulas has illustrated the urgency and importance of collecting outcomes in an orthopedic surgery practice. Needless to say, research using outcomes data is critical to improving the quality of musculoskeletal care and provides a medium to establish evidence-based practice. The variety of outcomes extends into subjective and objective realms, with the former relying heavily on patient-reported outcomes to highlight the patient perspective, and the latter relying on observation and documentation from care providers. In this chapter, we explore the importance and breadth of orthopedic outcomes supplemented with the insight, tools, and methodology required to implement a successful outcomes collection system for the orthopedic practice looking to stay ahead of the curve.