The outcomes movement and the role of health information managers.

: The resounding demand that health care organizations demonstrate their effectiveness in providing quality patient services is being voiced by federal and state governments, managed care organizations, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and businesses and insurers purchasing and paying for health care services. The outcomes movement arose in response to these demands and is intended to provide a means for increasing medical effectiveness and reducing costs. The article presents an overview of the outcomes movement and discusses the use of outcomes data, the challenges and issues associated with outcomes assessment, and how health information managers can play a role in facilitating outcomes assessment. It suggests areas of professional development that health information managers may wish to explore.