Utilisation of the Hip Disability and Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score in physiotherapy following total hip and knee arthroplasty: a cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the frequency of administration and the usage of the Hip Disability and Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS/KOOS) and their Physical function Short forms (HOOS-PS/KOOS-PS) by physiotherapists after total hip and knee arthroplasties (THA/TKA).

Design: A cross-sectional study using an open online survey.

Setting: Primary care physiotherapy practices affiliated with the Dutch Association for Quality in Physiotherapy.

Participants: Physiotherapists with experience treating over five patients with a THA or TKA within the past 5 years.

Results: One hundred and sixty-six physiotherapists completed the survey (median age: 40.0 years, female: 34%, median experience: 15.0 years). Of those, 32 did not administer the HOOS(-PS) or KOOS(-PS) ('non-users'), 41 administered only due to organisational requirements or guideline recommendations ('passive users') and 93 actively used them for individual patient treatment purposes ('active users'). 'Treatment evaluation', 'diagnosis', and 'prognosis' were most often reported as potential reasons to actively use the HOOS(-PS) or KOOS(-PS) for individual treatment purposes. Determinants associated with active use of the HOOS(-PS) or KOOS(-PS) appeared to be fewer years of experience as a physiotherapist, a larger treatment volume of THA/TKA, a younger age, and higher attitude scores regarding PROM use.

Conclusions: Most responding physiotherapists administer the HOOS(-PS) or KOOS(-PS), but their use for individual treatment is limited. Active users appear to be less experienced, younger, treat larger volumes of THA/TKA, and possess a more positive attitude towards using patient-reported outcome measures.