First, health is more than just the absence of disease. Health is the ability of individuals to function physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually based on their own capacities and personal expectations within the context of daily living. Second, individual patients must be the ultimate judges of their own health. Hence, to determine health outcomes, we have to ask patients directly about their functional status. It is important to underscore that clinical measures are necessary, but not sufficient in themselves.
Clinical outcomes are an intermediate measure.
They are incomplete indicators of improvement unless we can also determine that a positive clinical outcome actually yields improvement in the patient s health and functional status. The patient-centered approach, therefore, places the emphasis on the patient s experience. Patient-centered outcomes focus directly on the patients interpretations of their well being. Health data collected directly from patients establishes the foundation for comprehensive outcomes measurement. A good patient-centered disease management program measures changes in the patients abilities to function at their maximum potential.