School of Health Sciences & Social Work, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.
Inj Prev. 2011 Dec;17(6):e7. doi: 10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040154. Epub 2011 Sep 2.
Falls are an issue disproportionately affecting older people who are at increased risk of falls and injury. This protocol describes a pilot study investigating shock-absorbing flooring for fall-related injuries in wards for older people.
To inform future research by evaluating fall-related injuries on the intervention and existing flooring, assessing the sustainability of the flooring in ward environments, estimating the cost-effectiveness of the floor and assessing how the floor affects patients and other users.
This study uses mixed methods a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial, observation via mechanical testing and interviews. Eight participating wards (clusters) are randomised using a computer-generated list. No blinding is incorporated into the study. Each site has a baseline period of approximately 6 months. Then, four sites receive the intervention floor, while four continue using standard floors. Sites are then followed up for approximately 1 year.
Any person admitted to a bed in the 'study area' of a participating ward can be entered into the trial. Orientated patients, visitors and any hospital staff who use the floor in a study area are eligible for inclusion in an interview.
An 8.3 mm thick vinyl floor covering with polyvinyl chloride foam backing (Tarkett Omnisports EXCEL).
The primary outcome is fall-related injuries. Severity of injuries, falls, cost-effectiveness, user views and mechanical performance (shock absorbency and slip resistance) are also being assessed.
目的：通过评估干预和现有地板上的与跌倒相关的伤害，评估地板在病房环境中的可持续性，估算地板的成本效益，并评估地板如何影响患者和其他使用者，为未来的研究提供信息。
设计：本研究采用混合方法，即试点集群随机对照试验、通过机械测试和访谈进行观察。使用计算机生成的列表对 8 个参与病房（集群）进行随机分组。研究中未采用盲法。每个地点都有大约 6 个月的基线期。然后，四个地点铺设干预地板，而四个地点继续使用标准地板。随后对这些地点进行大约 1 年的随访。
参与者：任何入住参与病房“研究区域”病床的人都可以参加试验。定向患者、访客和任何在研究区域使用地板的医院工作人员都有资格接受访谈。
干预措施：一种 8.3 毫米厚的聚氯乙烯泡沫背衬乙烯基地板覆盖物（Tarkett Omnisports EXCEL）。
结果：主要结果是与跌倒相关的伤害。伤害的严重程度、跌倒、成本效益、用户意见和机械性能（减震和防滑）也在评估中。
