What do we mean by outcomes and impact?

The word 'outcomes' is increasingly used in work situations and 'impact' is often linked to it, even in everyday life. But when people use these words are they always referring to the same thing? Find out our definitions.

Woman standing in front of a room of people giving a speech

It's helpful to try to ensure we have a shared understanding across the Healthwatch service of what we all mean when we use the words' outcomes' and 'impact'.

This basic introductory course is for any staff member or volunteer with Healthwatch. It's an ideal short session to be completed as part of an individual induction process.

By taking this course, you'll understand:

The difference between outputs, outcomes and impact.
How do these relate to Healthwatch work.
Why it's important for a Healthwatch to think about outcomes and impact.

This will help you contribute to planning activities and ensure your work with Healthwatch is as successful as possible.

Before you start

This course should take you no more than one hour to complete. It's best to do it all in one go, but you can return to it if necessary.

How to access the course

To take one of our e-learning courses for the first time, click the link for the course then select ‘sign up’ and register with your e-mail address and set your password.

Use these details for all future courses, or to re-visit a course. You can also reset your password at anytime by selecting the ‘forgotten password’ link.

Take the course

Tell us what you think

Please tell us how useful you found the course, and if there is anything else that you would have liked included. Email Marianne, Learning and Development Manager at Healthwatch England, with your feedback.