Understanding and measuring long-term outcomes are crucial for several reasons: - Patient Satisfaction: Long-term outcomes can significantly influence patient satisfaction and their perception of care quality. - Quality of Life: The primary goal of nursing care is to improve the patient's overall quality of life, which includes long-term physical, mental, and social well-being. - Healthcare Costs: Effective long-term care can reduce hospital readmissions and lower healthcare costs in the long run. - Policy Making: Data on long-term outcomes can inform healthcare policies and funding allocations.