title: Pharmacist's role in an interdisciplinary falls clinic.
abstract: Falls are caused by many factors in older patients. Medications have been shown to be a risk factor for falls, and studies have shown that patients taking more than five total medications may have a two-fold increased risk of impaired balance. A more recent model suggests only medications with sedating and anticholinergic properties contribute significantly to physical impairment. The authors of this paper helped to develop a multidisciplinary clinic to evaluate the risk of falls in at-risk patients. We present the case of a woman on multiple medications that increased her risk of falling. Of note, this patient was taking a total of 14 prescription medications, seven of which were considered sedating. Based on a comprehensive medication evaluation, six specific changes were recommended to improve this patient's medication regimen and reduce her risk of falling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA. florese@etsu.edu
authors.forename: Emily K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Flores
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000009:adverse effects; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing / Q000009:adverse effects; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010595:Pharmacists; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D024382:Professional Role; D012307:Risk Factors