3. Uses of Evidence in Disability Outcomes and Effectiveness Research

Abstract

Outcomes and effectiveness research is a category of health services research that gauges how well the health care needs of persons with disabilities are being met. Using Patrick's Model of Health Promotion for people with disabilities as a framework for analysis, this article examines outcomes and effectiveness research related to the health care needs of persons with disabilities. The three most pressing research priorities are clear theoretical conceptualizations and qualitative research on health outcomes relevant to the needs of persons with disabilities; a systemic analysis of existing assessment instruments' utility for disability outcomes research; and the development and testing of new outcome instruments.