Outcomes research is becoming more prevalent in animal health circles. An outcomes research approach considers an element of value along with an outcome of interest which sets it apart from traditional research approaches. It is an approach that evaluates more than the benefits of practices and interventions for veterinary patients.
Value can be measured by many characteristics that satisfy four primary needs: emotional, functional, societal, and life-changing, with the perceived value being determined by the stakeholder. . . Value, however, is not the same as cost.”
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, November 2022. Link.
We theorize that outcomes research principles and methods that consider client preferences, costs, and health risks can aid decision-making by veterinary practitioners and animal health professionals to minimize the use of clinical practices or interventions that are medically ineffective or not cost-effective while maximizing resources.
INSIGHTS: This article is a good introduction for animal health pros to understand how value is defined and used to evaluate perceived advances in animal health care.