Development of Quality-of-Care Indicators for Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Total Knee Replacement

This study developed evidence-based quality indicators to measure key aspects of care than can be targeted to decrease variations in complication rates following total joint replacement. There were 101 candidate indicators of quality identified in the 6 domains of preoperative processes of care; intraoperative processes; postoperative processes; implant selection and the use of new technology; privileging of hospitals and surgeons; and outcomes and comorbidity assessment. A total of 68 of the 101 indicators were rated as valid with statistical agreement.. This project provides tools to measure and improve quality of care for patients undergoing total joint replacement.