title: Assessing the safety and effectiveness of hip protectors.
abstract: Hip protectors are used in the preventive management of older people who are at risk of fracturing their hip after a fall. However, nurses have little guidance about which type is the most appropriate for particular patients. This article highlights the different designs available and their mechanical performance was assessed by the authors using a purpose-built impact rig. Problems with compliance and issues about tissue viability are discussed and the article also contains a risk assessment tool to help nurses decide on which is the most suitable type of hip protector to use.
authors.affiliation: Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne. julian.minns@nuth.northy.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Minns
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dodd
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bamford
authors.forename: Farhad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nabhani
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008283:Maintenance; D008422:Materials Testing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000592:standards* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards