Cost-effectiveness of hip protectors in institutional dwelling elderly.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of hip protectors in the prevention of hip fracture in an elderly population living in institutions.


METHODS
Meta-analysis followed by economic analysis.


METHODS
The meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials was based on the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Model-based economic analysis was conducted using estimates of transition probabilities, costs, and utilities relevant to Canada.


RESULTS
The results indicate that hip protectors compared with control results in a relative risk of hip fracture of 0.40 (95% Confidence Interval 0.23-0.70). The economic analysis found that the use of hip protectors is expected to be both effective and cost saving. Results were robust to a range of analysis exploring the uncertainty of input parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
There is sufficient clinical and economic evidence to support the use of hip protectors for institutional dwelling elderly.
Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Lisa
L
Waldegger
Ann
A
Cranney
Malcolm
M
Man-Son-Hing
Doug
D
Coyle
D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000191:economics*; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods