Cost-effectiveness of hip protectors in institutional dwelling elderly.

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of hip protectors in the prevention of hip fracture in an elderly population living in institutions. Meta-analysis followed by economic analysis. 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. 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. There is sufficient clinical and economic evidence to support the use of hip protectors for institutional dwelling elderly.