Aim: To compare two priority access criteria scoring methods for elective cholecystectomy, with a score based on clinical judgement obtained using a linear analogue scale.
Methods: Patients placed on the waiting list for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy between June and October 1997 were prioritised using the three methods.
Results: Data were obtained for 22 patients. The distributions of scores were different but there was a significant correlation between them. However, limits of agreement analysis demonstrated little agreement between them with a difference of +/- 30 points (out of a 100) between scores obtained with each method.
Conclusion: The proposed methods for establishing priority access to elective cholecystectomy are poor tools, require validation and bear little relation to expert clinical judgement.