EXTERNAL HIP PROTECTORS - LIKELY NONCOMPLIANCE AMONG HIGH-RISK ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY

The factors that may influence compliance with wearing of external hip protectors by potential users living in the community were investigat ed. Elderly women (median age 83 years) who were hospitalised after fr acture, joint replacement or falls and were expected to return to comm unity living participated. Five focus groups were conducted, Most part icipants said they would not use the hip protector demonstrated. The m ain objections were a perceived lack of comfort in wearing the applian ce, particularly in bed, coupled with the belief that they were not at high risk. Other lesser issues were the extra effort needed to wear t he device, appearance, accuracy of fit, cost and unfamiliarity with th e protectors. These findings suggest that, in general, high risk elder ly women living in the community will be unlikely to use external hip protectors unless there is considerable encouragement from family memb ers and/or health professionals. Educational programmes could reduce s ome misconceptions about hip fracture, and reinforce the benefits of w earing a protective appliance. They may also increase awareness of per sonal risk. An introductory period of supervised wearing of the hip pr otectors, while in hospital or respite care, may enhance compliance.