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.
Waldegger
Lisa
L
Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Cranney
Ann
A
Man-Son-Hing
Malcolm
M
Coyle
Doug
D
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