Outcomes Research and Facial Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Outcomes research examines the delivery of medical care from the patient's perspective, using unique instruments and methodologies. Outcome studies can measure the effectiveness of treatments or interventions in individual patients or in large populations, using prospective observational research designs. The steps in performing outcomes research are as follows: identify and define the disease or procedure of interest, create a staging system for disease severity, identify important co-morbid conditions, choose or design an outcomes instrument to measure treatment outcomes, and design a study to assess outcomes prospectively. Although there is currently a dearth of outcomes instruments available for use in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, some new instruments are being developed, and even using existing tools outcomes research should prove to be a valuable research tool for facial plastic surgeons to demonstrate improved quality of life and functional status in their patients.

Body Image and Quality of Life in Post Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring Patients

“…The growing emphasis on cost‐effectiveness in the health care industry has highlighted the need for comprehensive outcomes research (33). To accurately demonstrate improved quality of life and functional status in our patients, plastic surgeons should perform outcomes‐based studies (34).…”

Mechanical properties of carbon nanotube/carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer composite

“…Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced thermoplastic polymer (CFRTP) composites have been widely used in recent years because of their high strength, high modulus, and low density [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. These thermoplastic composite materials offer significant potential advantages over their thermoset counterparts, including higher damage tolerance, unlimited shelf life, faster component manufacturing times, greater recyclability, and improved work environment [8,9].…”

Rhinoplasty and Septorhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation

“…18 Specific nasal questionnaires can be used in conjunction with general quality-of-life or general health questionnaires to assess outcomes. 19 There are many of these generic measures, such as the Nottingham Health Profile and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. 20 They allow clinicians to compare the impact of nasal problems and the relative benefits of surgery to similar aspects of other disease processes.…”