Fall Reduction Program - Effect of Medications
Must we consider the effect of medications on patients'/residents' risk of falling?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only
National Patient Safety Goal.09.02.01-EP1 requires the organization to evaluate the patient's risk for falls and take action to reduce the risk of falling as well as the risk of injury, should a fall occur. The evaluation could include a patient's fall history; review of medications and alcohol consumption; gait and balance screening; assessment of walking aids, assistive technologies, and protective devices; and environmental assessments.
It is helpful to identify medications that are frequently associated with increased risk of falling. Some suggested classifications are: hypnotics, sedatives, analgesics, psychotropics, antihypertensives, laxatives and diuretics. Please consider not only the class of drug, but the number of drugs (polypharmacy) and the potential for additive effects when they accumulate in the body that also increases risk.
National Patient Safety Goal.09.02.01-EP1 requires the organization to evaluate the patient's risk for falls and take action to reduce the risk of falling as well as the risk of injury, should a fall occur. The evaluation could include a patient's fall history; review of medications and alcohol consumption; gait and balance screening; assessment of walking aids, assistive technologies, and protective devices; and environmental assessments.
It is helpful to identify medications that are frequently associated with increased risk of falling. Some suggested classifications are: hypnotics, sedatives, analgesics, psychotropics, antihypertensives, laxatives and diuretics. Please consider not only the class of drug, but the number of drugs (polypharmacy) and the potential for additive effects when they accumulate in the body that also increases risk.
Manual:
Home Care
Chapter:
National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on October 25, 2021
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