AQUILA: assessment of quality in lower limb arthroplasty. An expert Delphi consensus for total knee and total hip arthroplasty
2011

AQUILA: Quality Assessment in Lower Limb Arthroplasty

Sample size: 44 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pijls Bart G, Dekkers Olaf M, Middeldorp Saskia, Valstar Edward R, van der Heide Huub JL, Van der Linden-Van der Zwaag Henrica MJ, Nelissen Rob GHH

Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Center

Hypothesis

Can a Delphi approach be used to develop a checklist for assessing the quality of case series and cohorts in total hip and knee arthroplasty?

Conclusion

The AQUILA checklist for reporting quality, methodological quality, and generalizability in total hip and knee arthroplasty was successfully created.

Supporting Evidence

  • The Delphi method allowed for anonymous expert feedback to refine the checklist.
  • Consensus was reached on an 8-item reporting quality checklist and a 6-item methodological checklist.
  • The checklist aims to improve the quality of case series and cohorts in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Takeaway

Experts worked together to create a checklist that helps doctors report on hip and knee surgeries better, making sure they include all important details.

Methodology

A web-based Delphi method was used, consisting of two internal rounds and three external rounds to reach expert consensus.

Potential Biases

Potential non-responder bias could affect the results, as those who participated may differ from those who did not.

Limitations

The preference for some checklist items was only moderate or low, and there may be non-responder bias.

Participant Demographics

The expert panel included 37 participants with a mean experience of 16 years, covering various nationalities and professional backgrounds.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-12-173

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