What are the most common patient outcomes to evaluate in a hospital setting? (2024)

Mortality and morbidity are the most basic and important patient outcomes, as they reflect the survival and health status of patients after receiving care. Mortality is the number or rate of deaths in a hospital or a specific population, while morbidity is the number or rate of diseases, complications, or adverse events in a hospital or a specific population. These outcomes can be used to compare the performance of different hospitals, departments, or providers, as well as to identify areas for improvement and intervention. For example, a high mortality rate for a certain procedure or condition may indicate a need for better training, equipment, or protocols.

Readmission and discharge are patient outcomes that measure the continuity and coordination of care, as well as the effectiveness of the treatment and the prevention of complications. Readmission is the number or rate of patients who return to the hospital within a certain period (usually 30 days) after being discharged, while discharge is the number or rate of patients who leave the hospital after completing their treatment or reaching a stable condition. These outcomes can be used to evaluate the quality and safety of the care delivered, as well as the patient satisfaction and adherence to the follow-up plan. For example, a high readmission rate for a certain diagnosis or population may indicate a need for better education, communication, or support.

Length of stay and cost are patient outcomes that measure the efficiency and resource utilization of the hospital services. Length of stay is the number or rate of days that patients spend in the hospital for a given episode of care, while cost is the amount of money that the hospital spends or charges for providing the care. These outcomes can be used to assess the productivity and profitability of the hospital, as well as the value and affordability of the care for the patients and payers. For example, a long length of stay or a high cost for a certain service or population may indicate a need for better management, optimization, or innovation.

Patient-reported outcomes are patient outcomes that measure the subjective and personal aspects of the care experience, such as the symptoms, functioning, quality of life, satisfaction, and preferences of the patients. These outcomes can be collected through surveys, interviews, or other methods that allow the patients to express their views and feedback. These outcomes can be used to understand the impact and relevance of the care delivered, as well as to improve the patient-centeredness and responsiveness of the hospital services. For example, a low patient-reported outcome for a certain aspect or dimension of care may indicate a need for better listening, empathy, or customization.

Clinical outcomes are patient outcomes that measure the objective and technical aspects of the care process, such as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the conditions or problems that affect the patients. These outcomes can be measured through tests, indicators, or standards that reflect the clinical performance and quality of the hospital services. These outcomes can be used to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the care delivered, as well as to improve the evidence-based and best practice of the hospital services. For example, a poor clinical outcome for a certain indicator or standard of care may indicate a need for better knowledge, skills, or guidelines.

Patient engagement and empowerment are patient outcomes that measure the degree and quality of the involvement and participation of the patients in their own care, as well as the control and influence they have over their own health and well-being. These outcomes can be assessed through the behaviors, attitudes, and actions of the patients, as well as the opportunities and support they receive from the hospital services. These outcomes can be used to foster the collaboration and partnership between the patients and the providers, as well as to enhance the autonomy and self-management of the patients. For example, a low patient engagement or empowerment for a certain aspect or stage of care may indicate a need for better information, education, or motivation.

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