[Effectiveness of multi-factorial intervention for reducing falls with proximal femoral fractures in homes for the aged and nursing homes. Goals and study design of a population-based study].

The article presents the design of an open controlled, non-randomized population based intervention trial in institutionalized elderly that will be performed in Ulm/Germany starting in 1998. The multimodal intervention includes education, counseling, training, and hip protectors as well as information on potential environmental modifications in nursing homes. Two historical and one geographical control group will be formed. All institutionalized elderly will be assessed by means of the Minimum Data Set of the Resident Assessment Instrument. The intervention will last 12 months. The main objective is to test a model for cost-effective reduction of proximal femoral fractures in institutionalized elderly and to demonstrate its effectiveness.