Hip Protectors—Potential Benefits, Harms, and Barriers to Adherence

Potential Benefits

• Potential reduction of sustaining a hip fracture if worn appropriately and worn at the time of a fall*
• Potential avoidance of serious consequences of hip fractures, including pain, loss of mobility, and death (Papaioannou et al., 2015)
• Potential reduction in fear related to fracture*

Potential Harms

• Slight increase in the risk of pelvic fractures (Santesso et al., 2014)
• Skin irritation (Combes & Price, 2014; Santesso et al., 2014)

Barriers to Adherence

• Staff attitudes (negative perceptions about hip protectors or lack of education) (Combes & Price, 2014; Korall et al., 2015)
• Product design issues, such as: discomfort, takes time/assistance to put on (Combes & Price, 2014; Korall et al., 2015; Santesso et al., 2014), bulky (affects mobility)*, resizing may be required with weight loss/gain*
• Systemic barriers (e.g., lack of facility commitment, staff shortages) (Korall et al., 2015)

• Urinary incontinence and physical difficulties/illness (Santesso et al., 2014)
• Cost/affordability*
• Concerns about dignity and appearance (e.g., may be noticed through clothes/make a person look overweight)*
• Agitation in people with cognitive impairment*