The Foster Center for Clinical Outcome Research (FCCOR) is responsible for prospective clinical and epidemiological (health services) research. This entails measuring the results of medical and surgical treatments to guide therapy for future patients.
Traditionally, measurement of health outcomes only looked at objective measures, such as radiographs and range of motion. In the last decade, the measurement of quality of life issues that directly affect patients was added to the evaluation of patients' health status. With the use of these and other research methods, FCCOR researchers seek to improve the care of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.