Hip protectors’ effectiveness as a nursing intervention in residential care

Background: Hip fracture prevention in the elderly is of major importance with an ageing world-wide population. Elderly living in nursing homes have a particularly high rate of hip fractures. Hip protectors are a recent development in prevention of hip fracture caused by falling. The aim of this literature review was to examine if use of hip protectors are an effective nursing intervention in the prevention of hip fractures among the elderly living in nursing homes. Method: Literature review and manifest content analysis was used. Result: In eleven studies were hip protectors considered to be effective in the prevention of hip fractures. In four of the studies they were considered ineffective. The target group was those at greatest risk of hip fracture including high-risk of falling, the frail and women with low BMI. Discussion: All of the studies had difficulties with compliance of hip protector use which probably decreased their effectiveness. Hip protectors did not prevent all hip fractures even when worn correctly. Differences in the effectiveness of hip protector types were not able to be assessed as only one type was used in one than one study. Conclusion: Nurses need to carefully assess which elderly need hip protectors and to continue assessing as needs change. Nurses must educate caregivers and the elderly on the correct use of hip protectors and their limitations.