Analysis of the relationship between patients’ fear of falling and prescriber acceptance of pharmacists’ recommendations

Background: Certain medications place older adults at higher risk for experiencing a fall. This is a modifiable risk factor that may be managed by community pharmacists, but requires prescriber acceptance of recommendations. Previous studies indicate that prescriber acceptance of pharmacist recommendations may be impacted by patient-reported concerns. Objective: To examine the relationship between patient-reported fear of falling and prescriberacceptance of pharmacist recommendations. Methods: A prospective, observational study design was used. Eligible patients were age 65 and older and received care at one of 31participating pharmacies in North Carolina. Eligible patients were screened for falls risk using three evidence-based questions; patients screening positive were eligible for a comprehensive medication review. Data was collected via a prescriber response form. The primary outcomewas the prescriber acceptance of pharmacist recommendations. Results: Five hundred and sixty-two recommendations were communicated to prescribers, with 338 (60%) for patients who worried about falling. There was no significant difference in prescriber acceptance rate between those who worried about falling and those who did not (36.1% vs. 41.1%, X2=0.23). Conclusion: For patients who indicated they had a fear of falling, prescribers were not more likely to consider a pharmacist’s recommendations regarding medications that contribute to falls risk.Doctor of Pharmac