What is an advantage of using generic outcome measures?

• A. They are only applicable for single diagnoses
• B. They provide a wide range of specific data points
• C. They have availability of norms and usefulness for population or program evaluation
• D. They are the least expensive method available

Answer: (C)

Using generic outcome measures offers a significant advantage in that they have the availability of norms and are useful for population or program evaluation. Generic outcome measures are designed to be applicable across a variety of health conditions and interventions, making them particularly valuable for understanding broad trends and impacts in a population.

These measures allow for comparisons across different groups and settings, which can facilitate program evaluations and help identify areas where interventions may be needed. By relying on established norms, practitioners can assess how a specific group is performing relative to the general population or another reference group, leading to more informed decisions regarding health service delivery and resource allocation. This broad applicability and the ability to benchmark against wider datasets enhance the utility of generic outcome measures in research and clinical practice.