FAQs - Policy Guidance on Hip Protectors in Long-Term Care

The analysis in the policy guidance document and guidance card is based primarily on evidence synthesized in a 2008 Rapid Review produced by CADTH.

CADTH then initiated a pilot project to develop policy guidance on the topic. An expert review panel was formed in January 2010 to obtain input based on a variety of perspectives from across the country, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, geriatrics, long-term care administration, and program management. A list of expert panel members can be found at the end of this FAQs sheet.

The purpose of this initiative is to support evidence-based decisions about the use of hip protectors for elderly residents in long-term care settings. The policy guidance document and guidance card are not intended to serve as clinical guidelines. They are also not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.

Why did you embark on this pilot project?

CADTH has received a number of requests from its customers to provide recommendations based on its research findings for non-drug health technologies (such as devices, diagnostic tests, and medical and surgical procedures). To address this need, CADTH conducted a pilot project to develop policy guidance based on the findings of its Rapid Review on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the use of hip protectors in long-term care facilities. The topic was selected because of health system relevance, available research, and potential uptake. This pilot project will inform CADTH’s future work in developing recommendations for non-drug technologies.

Who is the guidance document intended for?

Key groups and individuals likely to be affected by this issue who may be interested in the guidance document include the following:

• residents of long-term care facilities and their families
• geriatricians
• nursing staff
• rehabilitation staff
• other staff or health care providers who deliver care to elderly clients residing in long-term care facilities
• administrators of long-term care facilities
• managers of seniors’ programs.

How should I use the guidance card implementation tool?

While the guidance card is primarily intended for staff at long-term care facilities, it may also be of interest to health professionals in general, as well as those working within a health ministry, health region, or hospital. Some possible implementation ideas include distributing the tool to staff, as well as using the tool for discussion during meetings, staff orientations, or educational sessions. If you would like more information about the guidance card or how it can be used, please contact your local CADTH Liaison Team member.

What is CADTH?

The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) is a national body that provides Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial health care decision-makers with credible, impartial advice and evidence-based information about the effectiveness and efficiency of drugs and other health technologies (www.cadth.ca).

What is a CADTH Rapid Review?

A CADTH Rapid Review is a detailed assessment of available evidence provided by CADTH’s Health Technology Inquiry Service (HTIS). HTIS responds to inquiries on the assessment of health care technologies including drugs, devices, diagnostic tests, and medical and surgical procedures. Information provided by the HTIS is tailored to meet the needs of decision-makers, and takes into account the urgency and potential impact of the request. The HTIS can prepare a variety of products ranging from reference lists to detailed assessments of the best evidence-based information on a topic.

Canadian health care decision-makers in the federal government and health ministries can access the HTIS, as can health authorities, hospitals, and national and federal health care programs in CADTH-supported jurisdictions.

Which experts did CADTH involve on its panel?

The following experts participated on the panel:

• Carla Butt, BSc PT, MCPA, Clinical Physiotherapist, Eastern Health — Long Term Care, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Arlis Decorte, RPN, Clinical Resource Nurse, Dementia Special Care Unit, Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Fabio Feldman, PhD , Manager, Seniors Fall and Injury Prevention, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia
• Alice Kennedy, BN, RN, MBA, FCCHSE, Vice-President Long Term Care, Community Supportive Services, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Laurie Mallery, MD, FRCPC, Geriatrician, Head Division of Geriatric Medicine at Dalhousie University, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Odette Morin OT Reg. (MB), Occupational Therapist, Community Therapy Services Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Laureen Nein, RN, Quality Improvement Coordinator, Continuing Care & Seniors’ Health, Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Kelli O’Brien, BSc PT, MSc (Rehab) Chief Operating Officer, Long-Term Care and Rural Health, Western Health, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Rayma O’Donnell, Director of Care Services, York Manor, Fredericton, New Brunswick
• James L. Silvius, MD, FRCPC, Specialist in Geriatric Medicine, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta
• David Strang, MD, FRCPC, Chief Medical Officer, Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba