Which of the following is an example of an outcome indicator?

The concept of outcome indicators refers to measurable results that reflect the effectiveness of care provided to patients, particularly in managing their health conditions. In the context of heart failure, an outcome indicator can be assessed based on how well patients fare after receiving treatment.

The cost of care for heart failure patients can be considered an outcome indicator because it provides insight into the financial implications of the care provided and how it correlates with patient health outcomes. High quality care may reduce hospital readmissions, which in turn can lead to lower overall costs. Consequently, monitoring costs can reveal how effectively the health care system is managing heart failure, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes while balancing financial efficiency.

In contrast, the percentage of patients who received discharge instructions, the number of patients who attended follow-up appointments, and regular assessments of patient satisfaction focus more on the processes of care rather than the direct outcomes of that care. These metrics provide valuable information about the quality and adherence to care standards but do not directly measure the health status or recovery of the patient—key aspects that outcome indicators aim to capture.