Preventing Falls in Elderly Housebound patients – Role of the GP Clinical Pharmacist

This presentation will discuss the Aging Brain study and the importance of Anticholinergic Burden (ACB) and which medications effect the ACB score. It will look at the Medicines Optimisation needs of Elderly Patients and the tools available to conduct an effective Falls Risk Assessment in this patient population. The importance of lone worker safety will be highlighted and (if the data available has been compiled prior to the time of presentation) evaluation of the project and how it met the needs of both patients and the CCG.

Senthan is a Pharmacist Prescriber working across GP practices in County Durham. After gaining experience in both hospital and community pharmacy sectors, he has worked in primary care for 7 years. In January 2018, he was selected by CPPE for the role of a Clinical Mentor to support Clinical Pharmacists on the NHS England Clinical Pharmacists in General Practice pathway. Recently he was part of an innovative project funded by the CCG conducting medication reviews for housebound patients at risk of falls. Rather than focusing on the traditional cost saving objectives of Medicines Optimisation work streams, the project aimed to look at patients in a holistic manner. The reviews involved a comprehensive look at healthcare needs, mobility, support with the combined goals of meeting patient expectations, implementing safe prescribing and preventing falls. 

Advanced Level.