[Evaluation of the treatment approach AOK-proReha by comparison with a historical control group: an application of the propensity score matching method]. / Die Evaluation des Behandlungskonzepts AOK-proReha durch einen Vergleich mit einer historischen Kontroll-gruppe: Eine Anwendung der Propensity-Score-Matching-Methode.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The AOK-proReha treatment approach determines the therapeutic measures during rehabilitation that should be taken in patients who have undergone total hip and total knee replacement surgery. The aim of our study is to scientifically assess the success of AOK-proReha in the routine care. METHODOLOGY: N=619 patients were surveyed about their health status at 3 time points. A historical control group was formed by referring to data of the QS-Reha(®) program and applying the propensity score matching method. RESULTS: We observed clear effects immediately after rehabilitation that revealed their maximum strength rising in most dimensions at the follow-up time point. Comparison with the control group demonstrated similar results in many dimensions. Some results were significantly better while none were significantly worse. CONCLUSION: The results of the AOK proReha approach are promising. Under appropriate conditions, the propensity score matching method is a sensible alternative to conducting a randomized controlled trial.