Hip Protectors in Long-Term Care

Over 300,000 Canadians live in long-term care facilities. Hip injuries are a significant health concern for these residents. Each year, about half experience at least one fall, and 5% to 10% of these falls result in fractures.

The impact on health care costs and resident health is significant. There is an additional cost of approximately $34,000 per resident to provide long-term care during the first year following a hip fracture. Approximately 20% of those who experience a fracture due to a fall die within one year of the event.

One approach to the prevention of hip fractures is the use of hip protectors. These consist of garments with protective padding worn under clothing to protect the body from hip factures in the event of a fall.

In May of 2008, CADTH published an assessment of hip protectors in long-term care. The assessment included a review of the best available evidence on the clinical- and cost- effectiveness of hip protectors, an economic evaluation in a Canadian setting, as well as guidelines and evidence on the limitations of these devices in long-term care settings.

The assessment was shared with health care decision makers at a CADTH-organized information session in the health care authority of Eastern Health in Newfoundland and Labrador. CADTH worked with the staff of Eastern Health’s Corporate Strategy and Research division to plan the session. This collaborative approach provided the audience with a comprehensive overview of the CADTH report, organizational data on the use of these devices, and front line health care professional perspectives on issues such as compliance and clinical practice guidelines.

Respondents to the session evaluation noted the importance of the information in guiding policy development, funding decisions, and professional development and education. Participants also provided positive feedback on the inclusion of local contextual information on the status of this technology at long-term care facilities throughout the region.

Hip Protectors in Long-Term Care: A Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness Review and Primary Economic Evaluation

http://www.cadth.ca/index.php/en/hta/reports-publications/search/publication/818

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Contact: andram@cadth.ca.