any result of care or intervention that reflects aspects of survival, functioning, or feelings that patients themselves identify as important, or that are judged to be in patients’ best interest by providers or caregivers when patients cannot self-report. This concept emphasizes that outcomes should be meaningful and relevant to the people experiencing the condition.
Synonyms: Patient-Important Outcomes, Outcomes That Matter to Patients
Example
In a study of a new arthritis medication, improvement in the ability to walk without pain would be considered a patient-centered outcome, because it directly affects daily functioning and quality of life from the patient’s perspective.