title: Geriatric Polypharmacy: Pharmacist as Key Facilitator in Assessing for Falls Risk.
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.
authors.affiliation: Meds MASH, LLC, 16326 Matthews Road, Monkton, MD 21111, USA. Electronic address: michelle@medsmash.com.
authors.forename: Michelle A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Fritsch
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, 1101 Slater Road, Suite 110, Durham, NC 27703, USA.
authors.forename: Penny S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Shelton
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005853:Geriatrics; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019338:Polypharmacy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Falls; Falls assessment; Geriatric; Medication; Patient safety; Pharmacist