title: [Joint replacement quality index: the perspective of resident physicians].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Joint replacement is an established therapy for arthrosis. The quality index for joint replacement (knee and hip) should include screening for quality of patient-centred care in hospitals providing replacements, on the basis of administrative data. The quality index summarizes 16 inpatient and posthospital complications (indicators). The aim of the study was to evaluate this quality index from the medical practitioner's viewpoint.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four semistructured focus groups with 11 family physicians and 8 orthopaedic/trauma surgeons were conducted. The discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed qualitatively according to Mayring.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Infections and the revision of a total joint arthroplasty have been weighted as the most important indicators from the existing quality indicators. Between the participants some differences regarding the relevance of the indicators thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurred. These indicators were weighted as more important by family physicians than orthopedic/trauma surgeons. For eight of the indicators, imprecision in words/meaning was criticized. In an open-ended second section, 20 new indicators within the areas complications, management and overall sector communication were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Major amendments of the quality index for the joint replacement are necessary. The knowledge gained from this study may serve as a basis for this development.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin und Versorgungsforschung, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Voßstr. 2, 69115, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Opetz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Steinhäuser
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Joos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szecsenyi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heller
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Forstmaier
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Glassen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods*