Medication Class Assessment for Fall Risks

The effective analysis of a fall prevention program for adults should include multiple components when determining the root cause analysis of a fall that has occurred or is at riskfor occurring. Polypharmacy is a significant factor to consider, due to a greater risk of drug-to-drug interaction, older people'schanges in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, and the common adverse risks of certain drug classes that may frequently lead to falls.

This course will initially share the recommended overall analysis of factors to be considered as risks for falls, and willthen focus on one of those components, which is medication analysis and reconciliation. This factor has been described by geriatricians as a single factor to greatly decrease a person's fall risk. Details will be shared regarding three drug classes, to include those which act on the Central Nervous System (CNS), those which manage blood pressure and those which lower blood sugar. The interprofessional team member's communication strategies will then be shared for optimal person-centered fall risk reduction.

Highlights

• Immediately decrease your clients' fall risk with an analysis of their respective medications
• Discuss the risk vs. benefit analyses with theresident physicians with greater confidence
• Details will be shared regarding three drug classes, to include those which act on the Central Nervous System (CNS), those which manage blood pressure, and those which lower blood sugar

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists