Do we need to see patients following joint replacements or could we just call them up? Analysis using the Analytical Hierarchy Process.

Abstract

The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a structured, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique developed by Thomas L. Saaty to organize and analyze complex problems. Based on principles of mathematics and psychology, AHP operates by decomposing a problem into a hierarchical structure of objectives, criteria, and alternatives. The core of the method involves a pairwise comparison of elements, where decision-makers use subjective judgments—quantified using Saaty's Fundamental Scale of Absolute Numbers—to evaluate the relative dominance of each element with respect to the level above it in the hierarchy. A key strength of AHP is its ability to integrate both concrete data and human intuition, translating qualitative preferences into quantitative priorities. This process ultimately calculates numerical weights for each decision alternative, providing a clear rationale for selecting the option that best achieves the stated goal. AHP is widely applied across diverse fields such as business, industry, and healthcare to support structured group decision-making.