Cost effectiveness of external hip protectors in the hospital setting: a modeling study.
Chronic illnesses, for which many patients are admitted to hospitals, substantially increase the risk of falling, and hence the likelihood of incurring a hip fracture. Hip fractures 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, not only improves public health, but can also save hospitals care and litigation costs.
Björn
B
Stollenwerk
Regina
R
Waldeyer
Christiane
C
Klein-Meding
Dirk
D
Müller
Stephanie
S
Stock
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003663:Decision Trees; D004469:Economics, Hospital; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011482:Protective Devices