Outcome research

«Outcome» refers to the result of a treatment, such as an operation. In order to assess a patient’s condition following treatment, at Schulthess Klinik we collect both objective data, such as strength and mobility, and subjective data, such as the level of pain from the patient’s perspective. All data is gathered in registries so that important comparisons can be drawn at a later point in time. At Schulthess Klinik, we are primarily concerned with the three fields specified below when conducting outcome research: 

Treatment outcome from the patient’s perspective

Patient-oriented questionnaires are an important part of outcome research. These can be used to assess both the patient’s baseline status and the treatment result (outcome). The questionnaires collect data on a range of aspects, such as pain, functionality, quality of life and fitness for work. Using the results of the questionnaire, we at Schulthess Klinik can investigate the efficacy of particular surgical techniques and compare the various treatments. That is why we have conducted over 153,000 patient surveys since 2004. 

Decision-making aids for surgeons based on predictive models

At Schulthess Klinik, we investigate which factors influence the treatment outcomes for a patient. To this end, we establish whether certain baseline characteristics, such as symptoms prior to the operation or various patient characteristics, increase or decrease the probability of a positive treatment outcome.

Schulthess Klinik uses this information to create a predictive model, which can be adapted to cater to an individual patient. Our aim here is to predict individual treatment outcomes and help surgeons decide whether or not to operate.  

The most appropriate measuring instrument for the task

In order for us to make a reasonable assessment regarding an outcome (treatment outcome) and ensure that these results can also be compared internationally, the most appropriate measuring instrument is required. We test the instruments on various patient groups for measurement characteristics such as reliability, validity and objectivity.

Standardisation of surgical complications

Surgical complications are an important indicator of the quality of a treatment. We can determine the risk factors of a treatment and provide patients with more comprehensive information concerning the risks of an orthopaedic intervention by means of a complication management system. However, there are no accepted, uniform standards for reporting on the occurrence of surgical complications.

Schulthess Klinik is therefore working hard to develop a uniform definition as well as a standard for the documentation of complications in the field of orthopaedic interventions in order to achieve consistency and comparability on an international level. At Schulthess Klinik, we are already implementing the process of standardising surgical complications for two shoulder operations – tendon reconstruction and shoulder joint replacement – as well as the situation following the treatment of humeral fractures.