Abstract

Understanding the effects of medical products on patients’ lives typically requires clinical outcome assessments (COAs) that support inferences about how patients feel, function, or survive. Selecting, modifying, or developing a COA that works in a given context of use is challenging. Fortunately, ISPOR task forces have provided the field with several best practices reports over the years that help guide researchers in the use of COAs. This most recent report, by the Performance Outcome (PerfO) Assessment task force, focuses on the development and selection of PerfO measures, and a forthcoming report will focus on the implementation of PerfO measures. The task force is to be commended for marshaling the considerable experience and expertise of its members to produce a report that is comprehensive, accessible, practical, and nuanced.