PURPOSE: We aimed to outline the existing information and the underlying mechanisms of risk of falls associated with the use of urinary antimuscarinics for overactive bladder (OAB) or alpha-blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in older adults. In addition, we aimed to provide assistance to clinicians in decision-making about (de-)prescribing these drugs in older adults. METHODOLOGY: Based on a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar, we reviewed the literature, and identified additional relevant articles from reference lists, with an emphasis on the most commonly prescribed drugs in OAB and BPH in older patients. We discussed the use of bladder antimuscarinics and alpha-blockers, their potential side effects related to falls, and the deprescribing of these drugs in older adults. RESULTS: Urinary urgency or incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms due to untreated OAB and BPH contribute to fall risk. On the other hand, the use of bladder antimuscarinics and alpha-blockers is also related to fall risk. They contribute to (or cause) falling through dizziness, somnolence, visual impairment, and orthostatic hypotension while they differ in their side-effect profiles regarding these problems. Falls are common and can cause a remarkable amount of morbidity and mortality. Thus, preventive measures should be taken to lower the risk. If the clinical condition allows, withdrawal of bladder antimuscarinics and alpha-blockers is recommended in fall-prone older adults. There are practical resources and algorithms that guide and assist clinicians in deprescribing these drug groups. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to prescribe or deprescribe these treatments in patients at high risk of falls should be individualized. In addition to explicit tools that are helpful for clinical decision-making in (de-)prescribing these drugs, STOPPFall (a recently developed expert-based decision aid specifically aiming to prevent falls) is present to assist prescribers in attaining decisions.

• MeSH
• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists adverse effects   MeSH
• Muscarinic Antagonists adverse effects   MeSH
• Urinary Bladder, Overactive * drug therapy   complications   MeSH
• Prostatic Hyperplasia * drug therapy   complications   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms * complications   drug therapy   MeSH
• Accidental Falls prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Falls are a major public health concern in the older population, and certain medication classes are a significant risk factor for falls. However, knowledge is lacking among both physicians and older people, including caregivers, concerning the role of medication as a risk factor. In the present statement, the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Task and Finish group on fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs), in collaboration with the EuGMS Special Interest group on Pharmacology and the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) Geriatric Medicine Section, outlines its position regarding knowledge dissemination on medication-related falls in older people across Europe. The EuGMS Task and Finish group is developing educational materials to facilitate knowledge dissemination for healthcare professionals and older people. In addition, steps in primary prevention through judicious prescribing, deprescribing of FRIDs (withdrawal and dose reduction), and gaps in current research are outlined in this position paper.

• MeSH
• Anticonvulsants adverse effects   MeSH
• European Union MeSH
• Geriatrics methods   standards   MeSH
• Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors adverse effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Analgesics, Opioid adverse effects   MeSH
• Polypharmacy MeSH
• Psychotropic Drugs adverse effects   MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls prevention & control   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Age Factors MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

PURPOSE: Because of the common and increasing use of antipsychotics in older adults, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the causes of antipsychotic-related risk of falls in older adults. We also aim to provide information on the use of antipsychotics in dementia, delirium and insomnia, their adverse effects and an overview of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms associated with antipsychotic use and falls. Finally, we aim to provide information to clinicians for weighing the benefits and harms of (de)prescribing. METHODS: A literature search was executed in CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus in March 2022 to identify studies focusing on fall-related adverse effects of the antipsychotic use in older adults. We focused on the antipsychotic use for neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, insomnia, and delirium. RESULTS: Antipsychotics increase the risk of falls through anticholinergic, orthostatic and extrapyramidal effects, sedation, and adverse effects on cardio- and cerebrovascular system. Practical resources and algorithms are available that guide and assist clinicians in deprescribing antipsychotics without current indication. CONCLUSIONS: Deprescribing of antipsychotics should be considered and encouraged in older people at risk of falling, especially when prescribed for neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, delirium or insomnia. If antipsychotics are still needed, we recommend that the benefits and harms of antipsychotic use should be reassessed within two to four weeks of prescription. If the use of antipsychotic causes more harm than benefit, the deprescribing process should be started.

• MeSH
• Antipsychotic Agents * adverse effects   MeSH
• Delirium * chemically induced   drug therapy   MeSH
• Dementia * drug therapy   chemically induced   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders * chemically induced   drug therapy   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

PURPOSE: Fall-Risk Increasing Drugs (FRIDs) are an important and modifiable fall-risk factor. A Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) could support doctors in optimal FRIDs deprescribing. Understanding barriers and facilitators is important for a successful implementation of any CDSS. We conducted a European survey to assess barriers and facilitators to CDSS use and explored differences in their perceptions. METHODS: We examined and compared the relative importance and the occurrence of regional differences of a literature-based list of barriers and facilitators for CDSS usage among physicians treating older fallers from 11 European countries. RESULTS: We surveyed 581 physicians (mean age 44.9 years, 64.5% female, 71.3% geriatricians). The main barriers were technical issues (66%) and indicating a reason before overriding an alert (58%). The main facilitators were a CDSS that is beneficial for patient care (68%) and easy-to-use (64%). We identified regional differences, e.g., expense and legal issues were barriers for significantly more Eastern-European physicians compared to other regions, while training was selected less often as a facilitator by West-European physicians. Some physicians believed that due to the medical complexity of their patients, their own clinical judgement is better than advice from the CDSS. CONCLUSION: When designing a CDSS for Geriatric Medicine, the patient's medical complexity must be addressed whilst maintaining the doctor's decision-making autonomy. For a successful CDSS implementation in Europe, regional differences in barrier perception should be overcome. Equipping a CDSS with prediction models has the potential to provide individualized recommendations for deprescribing FRIDs in older falls patients.

• MeSH
• Physicians * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Disease Susceptibility MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Risk Management MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Decision Support Systems, Clinical * MeSH
• Accidental Falls prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

PURPOSE: Falls are a major and growing health care problem in older adults. A patient portal has the potential to provide older adults with fall-prevention advice to reduce fall-risk. However, to date, the needs and preferences regarding a patient portal in older people who have experienced falls have not been explored. This study assesses content preferences, potential barriers and facilitators with regard to using a patient portal, as perceived by older people who have experienced falls, and explores regional differences between European participants. METHODS: We conducted a survey of older adults attending an outpatient clinic due to a fall or fall-related injury, to explore their content preferences, perceived barriers, and facilitators with respect to a fall-prevention patient portal. Older adults (N = 121, 69.4% female, mean age: 77.9) were recruited from seven European countries. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds of respondents indicated they would use a fall-prevention patient portal. The portal would preferably include information on Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs (FRIDs), and ways to manage other related/relevant medical conditions. Facilitators included a user-friendly portal, with easily accessible information and physician recommendations to use the portal. The most-commonly-selected barriers were privacy issues and usage fees. A family member's recommendation to use the portal was seemingly more important for Southern and Eastern European participants compared to the other regions. CONCLUSION: The majority of older people with lived falls experience expressed an interest in a fall-prevention patient portal providing personalized treatment advice to prevent further falls. The results will be used to inform the development of a fall-prevention patient portal. The fall-prevention patient portal is intended to be used in addition to a consultation with a physician. Future research is needed to explore how to prevent falls in older patients who are not interested in a fall-prevention patient portal.

• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Patient Preference * MeSH
• Patient Portals * MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls * prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) in a sample of community-residing older patients in Croatia and its association with negative health outcomes. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on older patients (65+) visiting community pharmacies in three regionally different study sites in Croatia. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed for that purpose and included components of comprehensive geriatric assessment. Prevalence of FRIDs was identified using the "Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk" (STOPPFall). In the sample of 407 participants (median age 73 (IQR 69-70) years; 63.9 % females), 79.1 % used at least one FRID. The most common drug classes were diuretics, benzodiazepines, and opioids (in 51.1 %, 38.1 %, and 17.2 % participants, respectively). More FRIDs were prescribed to the oldest old patients (85+) and participants from poorer regions of Croatia (Slavonia) (p < 0.05). Exposition to FRIDs was identified as the significant risk factor associated with falls (OR = 1.24 (1.04-1.50); p = 0.020) and higher health-care utilization (OR = 1.29 (1.10-1.51); p = 0.001). Our study highlights the need for rationalization of FRID use. To reduce the unnecessary exposure to FRIDs in older adults, health-care professionals must consider high individualization of medication schemes regarding selection, dosing, and combinations of only necessary FRIDs.

• MeSH
• Ageism * MeSH
• Geriatric Assessment methods   MeSH
• Cohort Studies MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Polypharmacy MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Independent Living * MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Observational Study MeSH
• Geographicals
• Croatia MeSH

Pády a s nimi související poranění jsou u osob vyššího věku časté, mají negativní dopad na funkční nezávislost a kvalitu života a jsou spojeny se zvýšením morbidity, mortality a nákladů na zdravotní péči. V září 2022 byly publikovány nové celosvětové doporučené postupy pro prevenci a management pádů starších osob (World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative), jejichž součástí je i algoritmus pro stratifikaci rizika pádu a vyšetření pacienta. U starších osob s vysokým rizikem pádu by mělo být provedeno multifaktoriální zhodnocení rizika pádů jako východisko pro následnou cílenou intervenci. Při vyšetření se zaměřujeme na anamnézu pádu, fyzikální vyšetření včetně zhodnocení chůze, rovnováhy, svalové síly, posouzení funkčních schopností a nutričního stavu, zhodnocení rizika fraktur, kontrolu zraku a sluchu, zhodnocení kognitivních funkcí, kardiologické a neurologické vyšetření. Dle odhalené příčiny se odvíjejí možnosti terapie. Mezi preventivní opatření patří vytvoření bezpečného domácího prostředí, užívání vhodných pomůcek, rehabilitace, revize medikace s ohledem na léky zvyšující riziko pádu (FRIDs – Fall Risk Increasing Drugs) a prevence a léčba osteoporózy a sarkopenie.

Falls and fall-related injuries are common in older adults, have negative effects on functional independence and quality of life and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health related costs. World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative were published in September 2022, which include an algorithm for fall risk stratification and patient assessment. For older people at high risk of falling, multifactorial falls risk assessment should be performed as a basis for subsequent targeted intervention. Examination should focus on history of fall, physical examination including gait assessment, balance, muscle strength, functional capacity and nutritional status assessment, fracture risk assessment, vision and hearing screening, evaluation of cognitive function, cardiology and neurological examination. According to the identified cause, the therapeutic options are determined. Preventive measures include the creating of a safe home environment, use of appropriate equipment, rehabilitation, medication review with regard to fall risk increasing drugs (FRIDs) and prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia.

• MeSH
• Risk Assessment MeSH
• Frail Elderly MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Primary Prevention MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls * prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Review MeSH

This study aimed to analyze the effect of fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) and drug-related factors relative to falls through clinical pharmacy service in hospitalized patients, focusing on the relevance of clinical pharmacist evaluation in the context of physician assessment. A prospective study of inpatient falls was conducted in 2017 retrieving data from 4 hospitals in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. An online database was developed to collect patient and fall-related data, and fall evaluation records. Healthcare professionals classified the overall effect of drugs on falls using Likert scale. Univariate and multivariate correlations were performed with a significance level of p < 0.05. Out of the total 280 falls (mean age of patients 77.0 years), a mean of 2.8 diagnoses with fall-related risk, 8.8 drugs, and 4.1 FRIDs per fall were identified. Incidence of falls decreased quarterly (p < 0.001). Use of FRIDs were positively associated with increasing age (p = 0.007). Clinical pharmacists were more likely to identify pharmacotherapy as the relevant fall-related risk, compared to physicians evaluation (p < 0.001). An increasing total number of prescribed drugs as well as higher number of FRIDs increased the suspicion in both professionals in the context of drug-related causes of falls.

• MeSH
• Medical Errors statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Inpatients MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Inappropriate Prescribing prevention & control   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Accidental Falls * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals are often reluctant to deprescribe fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs). Lack of knowledge and skills form a significant barrier and furthermore, there is no consensus on which medications are considered as FRIDs despite several systematic reviews. To support clinicians in the management of FRIDs and to facilitate the deprescribing process, STOPPFall (Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk) and a deprescribing tool were developed by a European expert group. METHODS: STOPPFall was created by two facilitators based on evidence from recent meta-analyses and national fall prevention guidelines in Europe. Twenty-four panellists chose their level of agreement on a Likert scale with the items in the STOPPFall in three Delphi panel rounds. A threshold of 70% was selected for consensus a priori. The panellists were asked whether some agents are more fall-risk-increasing than others within the same pharmacological class. In an additional questionnaire, panellists were asked in which cases deprescribing of FRIDs should be considered and how it should be performed. RESULTS: The panellists agreed on 14 medication classes to be included in the STOPPFall. They were mostly psychotropic medications. The panellists indicated 18 differences between pharmacological subclasses with regard to fall-risk-increasing properties. Practical deprescribing guidance was developed for STOPPFall medication classes. CONCLUSION: STOPPFall was created using an expert Delphi consensus process and combined with a practical deprescribing tool designed to optimise medication review. The effectiveness of these tools in falls prevention should be further evaluated in intervention studies.

• MeSH
• Delphi Technique MeSH
• Pharmaceutical Preparations * MeSH
• Prescriptions MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls * prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

BACKGROUND: Falls are common undesirable events for older adults in institutions. Even though the patient's fall risk may be scored on admission, the medication-induced fall risk may be ignored. This study developed a preliminary categorization of fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) to be added as a risk factor to the existing fall risk assessment tool routinely used in geriatric care units. METHODS: Medication use data of older adults who had experienced at least one fall during a hospital ward or a nursing home stay within a 2-year study period were retrospectively collected from patient records. Medicines used were classified into three risk categories (high, moderate and none) according to the fall risk information in statutory summaries of product characteristics (SmPCs). The fall risk categorization incorporated the relative frequency of such adverse drug effects (ADEs) in SmPCs that were known to be connected to fall risk (sedation, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, dizziness, drowsiness, changes in blood pressure or impaired balance). Also, distribution of fall risk scores assessed on admission without considering medications was counted. RESULTS: The fall-experienced patients (n = 188, 128 from the hospital and 60 from nursing home records) used altogether 1748 medicaments, including 216 different active substances. Of the active substances, 102 (47%) were categorized as high risk (category A) for increasing fall risk. Fall-experienced patients (n = 188) received a mean of 3.8 category A medicines (n = 710), 53% (n = 375) of which affected the nervous and 40% (n = 281) the cardiovascular system. Without considering medication-related fall risk, 53% (n = 100) of the patients were scored having a high fall risk (3 or 4 risk scores). CONCLUSION: It was possible to develop a preliminary categorization of FRIDs basing on their adverse drug effect profile in SmPCs and frequency of use in older patients who had experienced at least one documented fall in a geriatric care unit. Even though more than half of the fall-experienced study participants had high fall risk scores on admission, their fall risk might have been underestimated as use of high fall risk medicines was common, even concomitant use. Further studies are needed to develop the FRID categorization and assess its impact on fall risk.

• MeSH
• Geriatric Assessment MeSH
• Risk Assessment MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions * diagnosis   epidemiology   MeSH
• Nursing Homes MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH