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Affiliation
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Department of Geriatrics, Fallon Clinic, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To determine if a high compliance rate
for wearing external hip protectors could be achieved and sustained in a
long-term care population. STUDY DESIGN: A 13-month prospective study of daytime
use of external hip protectors in an at-risk long-term care population. SETTING:
One hundred-bed not-for-profit long-term care facility. PARTICIPANTS:
Thirty-eight ambulatory residents having at least 1 of 4 risk factors
(osteoporosis, recent fall, positive fall screen, previous fracture).
INTERVENTION: The rehabilitation department coordinated an implementation
program. Members of the rehabilitation team met with eligible participants,
primary caregivers, families, and other support staff for educational
instruction and a description of the program. The rehabilitation team assumed
overall responsibility for measuring and ordering hip protectors and monitoring
compliance. RESULTS: By the end of the third month, hip protector compliance
averaged greater than 90% daily wear. The average number of falls per month in
the hip protector group was 3.9 versus 1.3 in nonparticipants. Estimated total
indirect staff time was 7.75 hours. The total cost of the study (hip protectors
and indirect staff time) was 6,300 US dollars. CONCLUSIONS: High hip protector
compliance is both feasible and sustainable in an at-risk long-term care
population. Achieving high compliance requires an interdisciplinary approach
with one department acting as a champion. The cost of protectors could be a
barrier to widespread use. Facilities might be unable to cover the cost until
the product is paid for by third-party payers. |