Future of outcomes research in plastic surgery.

This article provides an overview of the current and future directions for outcomes research in plastic surgery. Important components of outcomes research are discussed, including the need for randomized controlled trials, new methods in observational study design, the development of validated and specific patient-reported outcome tools, the benefits of using qualitative methodology, and health-services and cost-effectiveness studies. A summary of breast reconstruction population-based studies is presented, including the current utilization rates of this service. The need for outcomes research groups within governing bodies is addressed.