O is for Outcome
What is the Outcome?
The outcome is the hoped for effect of the intervention.
For example:
- If I recommend that patients use powered toothbrushes, they will remove more plaque. Outcome = Less Plaque.
Case:
You meet your new patient Tracey, a thirteen year old female. She is an avid bubblegum chewer. Between bubbles, and after she provides her dental history, she asks, “Is it true that chewing bubblegum with Xylitol helps prevent cavities?” Determined to give Tracey the correct answer you promise that you will do some research and get back to her.
Please think of a short statement identifying the desired outcome in the case above. [You’ll refer back to your statement later in the tutorial]