Patients with OA undergoing hip or knee joint replacement were assessed preoperatively and 3–4 months postoperatively, completing the WOMAC Index in paper (p-WOMAC) and electronic (m-WOMAC) format in random order.
Data were successfully and securely transmitted from patients in Australia to a server in the United States. Pearson correlations between the summated total index scores (TISs) for the p-WOMAC and m-WOMAC pre- and postsurgery were 0.98 and 0.99 (P < 0.0001). There were no clinically important or statistically significant between-method differences in the adjusted total summated scores, pre- and postsurgery (adjusted mean differences = 4.44, P = 0.474 and 1.73, P = 0.781, respectively). Internal consistency estimates of m-WOMAC reliability were 0.87–0.98. The m-WOMAC detected clinically important, statistically significant (P < 0.0001) improvements in pain, stiffness, function, and TIS. No statistically significant differences in mode preference were detected.
There was close agreement and no significant differences between m-WOMAC and p-WOMAC scores. This study confirms the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Exco InTouch-engineered, Java-based m-WOMAC Index application. EDC with the m-WOMAC Index provides unique opportunities for using quantitative measurement in clinical research and practice.