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Hip Protectors: an Implementation Trial in two geriatric rehabilitation wards
Author(s) -
Lockwood K.,
Cameron I.D.,
Gladman J.,
Kurrle S.E.,
Lanzarone S.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2003.tb00461.x
Subject(s) - medicine , falling (accident) , physical therapy , rehabilitation , hip fracture , environmental health , osteoporosis , endocrinology
Objective: To ascertain the feasibility of introducing hip protectors into the hospital ward environment and to examine issues of practicality, adherence and staff acceptance. Method: A falls risk assessment tool was used to identify those patients most at risk of falling. At risk patients were then invited to wear the hip protectors for the remainder of their time in hospital. Adherence with wearing the hip protectors was monitored and participants followed up post discharge. At the end of the trial, nursing staff were asked to complete a questionnaire. Results: Of the 48 patients assessed as at risk, 30 were recruited, and 29 wore the hip protectors for the remaining period they were in hospital. Only two of these patients fell during this time. 27 participants were still wearing the hip protectors two weeks after discharge. Staff acceptance was high with only minor problems experienced with adherence with wearing hip protectors throughout the day.