[Fall and fracture prevention based on the National Expert Standard. Implementation and costs in a real world setting in nursing homes].

BACKGROUND

A National Expert Standard for Fall and Fracture Prevention ("Expertenstandard Sturzprophylaxe") was established a few years ago in Germany. The purpose of this study was to determine for the first time the implementation and costs of fall and fracture prevention measures based on this National Expert Standard in German nursing homes in a real world setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This before/after study is based on an un-blinded, controlled translational study focussing on the primary prevention of fall-related hip fractures in nursing homes in Bavaria. 274 nursing homes were included in this study in 2008. The intervention aimed at implementing fall and fracture prevention measures based on the National Expert Standard. A random sample of 79 nursing homes was assessed via telephone at baseline and two follow ups. Costs were determined from a societal perspective, based on a questionnaire covering use and costs of fall and fracture prevention measures. Costs were analysed using paired t-tests and non-parametric bootstrapping techniques.

RESULTS

The implementation of this program led to an increase in fall and fracture prevention activities and to additional mean costs of 6,248 EUR (± SD 7,340 EUR; pricing year 2008) per nursing home over 18 months. Costs varied widely between nursing homes. The majority of additional costs occurred for the implementation of strength and balance training. Depending on type and costs of staff conducting the training, total costs varied between 4,347 EUR (± SD 7,167 EUR) and 7,024 EUR (± SD 7,439 EUR).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of fall and fracture prevention measures based on the National Expert Standard led to additional costs. Cost figures can be used by decision-makers with respect to decisions on resource allocation for different prevention programs (e.g., different National Expert Standards), to determine the main cost components, and finally for model-based cost-effectiveness analyses of fall-prevention programs in nursing homes.