Patient outcomes and pathology practice: An introduction to the College of American Pathologists Conference XXXIV on Molecular Pathology: Role in Improving Patient Outcome.

This article provides an abbreviated conceptual framework for viewing general issues of outcomes research and management and consideration of the emerging interest in patient-referenced outcomes in medicine and pathology. Specific issues addressed are the reasons for increased interest in outcomes research within the past decade; a review of the current language of outcomes management and research; a critique of the advantages and weaknesses of contemporary outcomes analysis and research methods; a summary of the responses of government, regulatory and accreditation organizations, medical societies, and the College of American Pathologists to the outcomes movement; and, in conclusion, a discussion of opportunities provided through outcomes management for enhanced involvement by pathologists in the care of patients.