None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Frail older persons are at high risk of hospitalization due to acute events associated with chronic diseases. The combination of frailty, functional deterioration, and acute conditions substantially increase the risk of falling, and hence the likelihood of incurring a fall-related injury. Those injuries (i.e. fractures, soft tissue trauma, residual pain, etc.) 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 and other fall-related injuries, not only improves public health, but can also save hospitals care and litigation costs. It has also been demonstrated to be a cost-effective intervention. However, the acceptance of hip protectors by frail older persons and those factors affecting in-hospital adherence remain unknown. This study will aim to assess the tolerability and acceptability of hip protectors and the prevention of fall-related injuries in hospitalised frail older persons.
Interventions
The intervention group will receive a standard of care for fall prevention in addition to wearing a Hip protector device. Hip Protectors are comparable to padded undergarments that shield the trochanter, reducing the effects and force impacting the bone during a fall.
The study team will administer 4 hip protectors (taking into consideration the hospital length of stay, two hip protectors are given per week of stay) to patients allocated to this group upon randomization. Hip protectors are fab
The intervention group will receive a standard of care for fall prevention in addition to wearing a Hip protector device. Hip Protectors are comparable to padded undergarments that shield the trochanter, reducing the effects and force impacting the bone during a fall. The study team will administer 4 hip protectors (taking into consideration the hospital length of stay, two hip protectors are given per week of stay) to patients allocated to this group upon randomization. Hip protectors are fabricated by a pair of shields fitted to the underpants, shields are located at each side protector the hip. Patients will wear the hip protector device, only during the day while they remain inpatient at the hospital. Adherence to hip protectors will be evaluated through the hip protectors use diary which will be completed three times per day by the nursing staff.
Sponsors
Western Health
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
75 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
• Males and females aged 75 years or older • Males and females who are non-native English speakers are eligible for consideration when an impartial witness is available at the time of consenting and assessments. • Males and females with a mini mental score for cognitive impairment above 18. • Admitted to an acute ward for general medical conditions and expected to stay at the Western Health system (acute and subacute) for at least 2 weeks • Frailty diagnosed using the clinical frailty scale (CFS). Frailty will be diagnosed as per CFS in conjunction with the medical records as part of the routinely admission procedures.
Exclusion criteria
• Orthogeriatrics patients (those admitted for treatment of fractures) due to the use of antiresorptive treatment. • Bed bound • Palliative care
Outcome results
None listed