Geriatric Polypharmacy: Pharmacist as Key Facilitator in Assessing for Falls Risk

Michelle A Fritsch; Penny S Shelton

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2017.01.003

Geriatric Polypharmacy: Pharmacist as Key Facilitator in Assessing for Falls Risk

Clin Geriatr Med. 2017 May;33(2):205-223. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2017.01.003. Epub 2017 Feb 14.

Authors

Michelle A Fritsch¹, Penny S Shelton²

Affiliations

¹ Meds MASH, LLC, 16326 Matthews Road, Monkton, MD 21111, USA. Electronic address: michelle@medsmash.com.
² North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, 1101 Slater Road, Suite 110, Durham, NC 27703, USA.

PMID: 28364992
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2017.01.003

Abstract

This article highlights the significant health impact of falls among older adults. An emphasis is placed on the vital role of the pharmacist, regardless of practice setting, in assessing and reducing falls risk for this growing population. In addition, the importance of a stepwise comprehensive approach to falls assessment by pharmacists in collaboration with other clinicians is elucidated.

Keywords: Falls; Falls assessment; Geriatric; Medication; Patient safety; Pharmacist.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
Aged
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / epidemiology
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control*
Geriatrics*
Global Health
Humans
Incidence
Pharmacists / statistics & numerical data*
Polypharmacy*
Risk Assessment*
Risk Factors