Cost-effectiveness of preventing hip fractures by hip protectors in elderly institutionalized residents in Germany.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term cost-effectiveness of hip protector use in the prevention of hip fractures in elderly institutionalized residents in Germany compared to no prevention. METHODS: A lifetime Markov decision model was developed using published data on costs and health outcomes. A societal and statutory health insurance perspective was adopted. RESULTS: From a societal/statutory health insurance perspective, use of hip protectors yields savings of 315 EURO/257 EURO and a gain of 0.13 quality-adjusted life years per person over lifetime. CONCLUSION: Hip protector use in elderly institutionalized residents in Germany is highly cost-effective.