| Jargon | Description |
|---|---|
| Observational Study |
A study in which the investigators do not seek to intervene, but simply observe the course of events. There is a greater risk of selection bias than in experimental studies. |
| Online Consultations |
Online consultations utilise the internet to ask a group of people their opinion on an issue (typically a policy in the development stages). An unlimited number of participants can be sent information about the subject or download it online and respond via email or comment on the website. |
| Open Label |
Describes a clinical trial in which masking is not used. That means that all parties involved with the trial know which participants have been assigned which interventions. |
| Ophthalmology |
The branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. |
| Option Appraisal |
Comparing key points about several alternatives to guide a choice that ensures agreed objectives are met as close as possible. |
| Outcome |
A component of a participant’s clinical and functional status after an intervention has been applied, that is used to assess the effectiveness of an intervention. |
| Outcome Measures |
Outcome measures are measurements of the effects of a treatment or service. They might include physical measurements – for example measuring blood pressure, or psychological measurements – for example measuring people’s sense of well-being. So if someone takes part in research, they may be asked questions, or they may be asked to have extra tests to assess how well the treatment or service has worked. |
| Outpatients Care |
Provided in a hospital or at a freestanding surgery centre. Afterwards patients are released to recuperate at home. |
| Output |
Published results from a research project. NETS projects often generate papers that are published in the scientific literature. Full details of NETS projects and their results are published in special reports or journals. Some projects generate briefing papers or other outputs for particular audiences. |
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