OVERVIEW OF THE 2006 COURSE:

The second biennial Outcomes Research Course was offered by the Surgical Research Committee of the American College of Surgeons, November 17-19, 2006.  This course was designed for clinical and health services researchers with varying degrees of experience in

the field of outcomes research.  In 2006, participants were first able to select modules appropriate to their skill level and interest.  Surgeons new to the field could focus on didactics and skills-based labs in managing, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets.  Those with more established research agendas were able to present their research to experts for critique and advice.  All participants were exposed to both scientific and practical aspects of the ongoing surgical outcomes research of leaders in the field.

The educational objectives of this course were:

• to provide a primer on the core methodologies in outcomes and health services research, along with their applications in surgery
• to help surgeons manage, analyze, and interpret information from clinical registries and administrative databases
• to provide surgeons with practical advice on developing an outcomes research agenda and developing academic careers in this area.

During the course, participants met their peers, selected from surgical departments in US and Canadian academic medical centers, and had ample opportunity to network with the faculty, which included surgeons in the forefront of outcomes research.

The program featured lectures, labs, and breakout sessions in:

• Fundamentals of outcomes research
• Designing high-level observational studies and assessing validity
• Working with administrative data and clinical registries
• HRQOL assessment, decision analysis/cost-effectiveness analysis, and meta-analysis
• Managing and analyzing large datasets
• Critique and feedback on participants’ research
• Faculty research in progress
• Career-building strategies (e.g., learning more, resources, external funding)

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION CREDIT

ACCREDITATION
The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME CREDIT
The American College of Surgeons designates this educational activity for a maximum of 22 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

2006 Course Schedule

2006 Outcomes Research Course Faculty

2006 Outcomes Research Course Bibliography

ACS CONTACT
Mary Fitzgerald, Continuous Quality Improvement, American College of Surgeons, 633 North Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611; Phone 312-202-5319; Fax 312-202-5011; or e-mail mfitzgerald@facs.org.

Revised November 12, 2007

Continuous Quality Improvement

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by the American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL 60611-3211