title: Validation of a prioritization tool for patients on the waiting list for total hip and knee replacements.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Total hip and knee replacements, usually, have long waiting lists. There are several prioritization tools for these kind of patients. A new tool should undergo a standardized validation process. The aim of the present study was to validate a new prioritization tool for primary hip and knee replacements.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a prospective study. Consecutive patients placed on the waiting list were eligible for the study. Patients included were mailed a questionnaire which included, among other questions, the seven items of the priority tool and the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) specific questionnaire. The priority tool gives a score from 0 to 100 points, and three categories (urgent, preferent and ordinary). We studied the content and construct validity. We used Student's t-test or one-way analysis of variance. Correlational analysis was used to evaluate convergent and discriminate validity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample consisted of 838 patients (62.3% were female), with mean age of 70.2 years (SD 8.4). A total of 55.5% patients underwent knee replacement. Given that the tool was elaborated by patients and orthopaedic surgeons, it shows a good content validity. The priority score was statistically different (P < 0.001) among the three urgency categories created. The scores of the three WOMAC dimensions showed differences (P < 0.001) by the three urgency categories created. The correlations between the priority score and WOMAC dimensions were 0.79 (function), 0.69 (pain) and 0.51 (stiffness). The correlations between WOMAC items and items from priority tool were greater (0.47-0.69) between items measuring similar constructs than those measuring different constructs (0.27-0.49). These data are similar in both joints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results support the validity of the prioritization tool to be used with patients waiting for hip or knee replacement.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, Hospital de Basurto, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain. antonio.escobarmartinez@osakidetza.net
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Escobar
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Quintana
authors.forename: Amaia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bilbao
authors.forename: Berta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ibañez
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D009864:Ontario; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014850:Waiting Lists