Using outcomes analysis to assess quality of care - applications for cardiovascular surgery, Jeffrey H. Silber; how do we obtain outcome data - randomized clinical trials versus observational data bases? Dennis M. Fisher; application of outcomes research to clinical decision making in cardiovascular medicine, Fredrick K. Orkin; the use of information systems and large databases in cardiovascular medicine, Barbara E. Tardiff et al; principles of outcome prediction in patients with coronary artery disease, Lee A. Fleisher; outcome studies in perioperative medicine - the Beta-blockade trials, Dennis T. Mangano; practice guidelines in cardiovascular anaesthesia, T. Samuel Shomaker; closed claims analysis as a tool for outcome assessment, Karen B. Domino.