Citation

Stokes EK, Bourke A, Monaghan F, Scully C. Ir. Med. J. 2005; 98(1): 21-23.

Affiliation

School of Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2. estokes@tcd.ie

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Winstone Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15782730

Abstract

When used appropriately and worn by the user, it has been established that hip protectors can reduce the risk of femoral fractures in older people who fall. While hip protectors receive increasing interest in the scientific literature, it is not clear how widely and appropriately they are being used in Ireland. This national survey aimed to investigate this practice. The survey yielded 185 responses from a variety of settings, response rate of 53%. It noted that only 18% of respondents actually used hip protectors for their clients/patients, despite the fact that the many of the participants in this survey were from nursing homes, where the evidence supports their use. It clearly identifies that a lack of knowledge about hip protectors is one barrier to their use, with 54% of participants reporting they were not aware of hip protectors and their value; but other factors, such as the suitability and compliance of older clients/patients and financial issues also impact on their use. In excess of 70% of respondents reported that financial restrictions influenced their prescription practice. While the majority of the participants were nurses, it is of note that the professional group most frequently involved in prescribing the use of hip protectors was physiotherapists and not nurses or doctors. National guidelines which both educate and advise on the use of hip protectors would lead to optimal use in the context of both clinical and cost effectiveness.