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Outcomes assessment: at what cost?

Outcomes assessment has become a major focus for evaluating managed care, but little is known about the feasibility and costs of a comprehensive outcomes assessment program. In this pilot study, more than 200 patients who were scheduled for elective hospital admissions were assessed using the Short Form 36. This instrument was mailed to patients the week before admission and three months after discharge. Cost for each complete set of pre- and post surveys was more than $60. Data from the SF-36 suggests that diagnosis-specific instruments and survey timing are necessary, which would increase the cost of outcomes assessment.