Which of the following best describes an 'outcome'?

The term 'outcome' is best described as a consequence of an action. In various contexts, particularly in healthcare and occupational settings, an outcome refers to the results or effects that follow from a specific intervention, treatment, or activity. This reflects the effectiveness of what was done and provides insight into the impact on an individual, program, or process.

For instance, after a medical procedure, the outcome could be the patient's recovery or improvement in health, which directly stems from the actions taken by healthcare professionals. Understanding outcomes is crucial because they are used to evaluate the success of interventions and guide future practices.

The other choices, while related concepts, do not capture the essence of what an 'outcome' signifies. An anticipated event refers to something expected but does not necessarily occur as a result of an action. A planned activity focuses on preparation and execution rather than the resultant effects. A reason for an event merely points to the cause rather than the consequences, which is at the core of what defines an outcome.