Health care authorities are asking often for documentation on quality and costs in health care in general. The challenge to provide valid data on these topics also apply to palliative care. Often it is of great value to be able to compare data between institutions and also to make reviews and metanalysis of the existing scientific studies within the area of health services research. Evidence based medicine is based upon use of the existing research, which relies on proper study design and the use of valid outcome. In order to compare data one need to know the composition of the population, the nature of the intervention and use of common outcomes. In a recent review of the literature, a heterogeneity with regard to both study design and outcomes were identified.
In this workshop population and program definitions will be discussed as well as study design and outcomes in health care service research.