udkomster

Udkomster is a Danish term used to describe the outcomes or results of a program, policy, intervention, or other action. In evaluation, public administration, and policy analysis, udkomster denote the changes that occur as a consequence of the activity, distinguishing them from outputs (the tangible products or services delivered) and inputs (the resources invested).

Contexts and examples: in health care, udkomster include changes in survival, symptom burden, or quality of life; in education, learning outcomes or skill acquisition; in the labor market, employment or wages; and in social policy, crime rates or measures of social inclusion. In evaluation practice, the term is often paired with 'impact' to distinguish short- or medium-term changes from longer-term or broader effects that may be influenced by other factors. The precise definition of udkomster may vary by field or country, but the core idea is the observable change attributable to an intervention.

Measurement and methodology: udkomster are typically assessed using outcome indicators, baselines, and follow-up measurements. Evaluation designs aim to establish attribution or contribution, sometimes using experimental or quasi-experimental methods, time-series analyses, or regression approaches. Logic models or results chains connect activities to intermediate steps, then to udkomster, and finally to intended impacts. Data sources include administrative records, surveys, and registries, with attention to data quality and comparability.

Challenges: attributing changes to a specific intervention is difficult when multiple factors influence outcomes; time lags, incomplete data, and measurement error may complicate interpretation. Cross-context comparisons require careful standardization of indicators and definitions.