title: Pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of flooring to reduce injuries from falls in elderly care units: study protocol.
abstract: Falls are an issue disproportionately affecting older people who are at increased risk of falls and injury. This protocol describes a pilot study investigating shock-absorbing flooring for fall-related injuries in wards for older people.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To inform future research by evaluating fall-related injuries on the intervention and existing flooring, assessing the sustainability of the flooring in ward environments, estimating the cost-effectiveness of the floor and assessing how the floor affects patients and other users.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study uses mixed methods a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial, observation via mechanical testing and interviews. Eight participating wards (clusters) are randomised using a computer-generated list. No blinding is incorporated into the study. Each site has a baseline period of approximately 6 months. Then, four sites receive the intervention floor, while four continue using standard floors. Sites are then followed up for approximately 1 year.
  
  
  METHODS
  Any person admitted to a bed in the 'study area' of a participating ward can be entered into the trial. Orientated patients, visitors and any hospital staff who use the floor in a study area are eligible for inclusion in an interview.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 8.3 mm thick vinyl floor covering with polyvinyl chloride foam backing (Tarkett Omnisports EXCEL).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The primary outcome is fall-related injuries. Severity of injuries, falls, cost-effectiveness, user views and mechanical performance (shock absorbency and slip resistance) are also being assessed.
authors: School of Health Sciences & Social Work, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK. amy.drahota@port.ac.uk
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Drahota
authors: Diane
authors: D
authors: Gal
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Windsor
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Dixon
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Udell
authors: Derek
authors: D
authors: Ward
authors: Dia
authors: D
authors: Soilemezi
authors: Taraneh
authors: T
authors: Dean
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Severs
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010362:Patients' Rooms / Q000191:economics; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012107:Research Design; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*