Citation

Stollenwerk B, Waldeyer R, Klein-Meding C, Müller D, Stock S. Nurs. Econ. 2014; 32(2): 89-98.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Jannetti Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

24834633

Abstract

Chronic illnesses, for which many patients are admitted to hospitals, substantially increase the risk of falling, and hence the likelihood of incurring a hip fracture. Hip fractures not only have devastating consequences on an individual's quality of life but may also affect a hospital's reputation in the community. In addition, hospitals may face litigation claims and increased costs for patients who fall and suffer a major injury as a consequence. External hip protectors are comparable to padded undergarments and shield the trochanter, reducing the detrimental effects and force impacting the bone during a fall. Screening for patients at high risk of falling and providing high-risk patients with hip protectors as a preventive measure to avoid hip fractures, not only improves public health, but can also save hospitals care and litigation costs.

Language: en