The use of non-slip socks to prevent falls among hospitalized older adults: A literature review

Falls among hospitalized older adults are a growing concern. Hospitals are using non-slip socks as an alternative footwear to help prevent falls, however there is limited evidence to support their use. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the effectiveness of non-slip socks to determine if there is sufficient evidence to support their use in the prevention of falls among hospitalized older adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Six studies were included in this review. The results suggested that there is inconclusive evident to support the use of non-slip socks to prevent falls among hospitalized older adults. Non-slip socks do not possess the properties of adequate footwear and have the potential to spread infection. The patient's personal footwear from home is the safest footwear option while admitted into hospital.