Prevention of hip fracture by external hip protectors: an intervention in 17 nursing homes
Forsén L, Arstad C, Sandvig S, Schuller A, Røed U, Søgaard A. J. (2003). Scand J Public Health.
The study was undertaken to estimate the effect of hip protectors on the incidence of hip fractures when introduced into nursing homes as a regular part of the healthcare for all residents. During the study period all residents (965 beds) were offered free use of hip protectors.
The external hip protectors used in the study were Safehip.
The study showed a 39 % reduction in the hip fracture incidence. It may be possible to achieve higher compliance and a further reduction in the incidence of hip fractures if the producers of hip protectors increase the comfort of the hip protector without reducing its effect. In addition, it is important that health workers encourage more individuals at high risk to use the protector.
