Community Pharmacy Falls Intervention Service

Falls are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity within Great Britain in the older population and therefore a major public health issue. It is estimated that in Hertfordshire 1000 people will fall each week resulting in over 4000 hospital admissions each year and 45-50 deaths. Research evidence suggests that 15% - 33% of falls by older people can be prevented and if the lower figure could be achieved in Hertfordshire this could potentially save over £2.5m annually in hospital admissions alone.

Osteoporosis treatments often have complex administration requirements and compliance with therapies is known to be poor.

The Falls Intervention Service aims to target patients taking osteoporosis medications, long term corticosteroids or medications that could contribute to falls. Community pharmacists can demonstrate the benefits of their accessibility, utilise their clinical knowledge to the benefit of all patients and use this opportunity to gather evidence for their clinical effectiveness in reducing harm from falls.

Intended service outcomes

Improved patient knowledge, concordance and use of osteoporosis treatment, including calcium and vitamin D preparations by:

  • Establishing patient's actual use, understanding and experience of taking their medication.
  • Identifying, discussing and resolving poor or ineffective use of their medications.
  • Identifying side-effects and drug interactions that may affect patient compliance.
  • Improving clinical and cost effectiveness of prescribed medicines and reducing medicine wastage.
  • Identification of patients taking glucocorticoid therapy to ensure they are followed up/prescribed bone protective medication according to recommendations within the NHS Hertfordshire Osteoporosis Guidelines.
  • Identification of patients over 65 years of age, taking medication(s) which could increase their risk of falls.
  • Improved access to support, particularly for those traditionally hard-to-reach patients.
  • Provide an opportunity to identify and notify GPs of potential problems with medication and risks to patients.
  • Provide lifestyle advice on reducing the risk factors for osteoporosis/falls and signposting to other support mechanisms.

Service Outline/Scope

The service will be delivered through accredited community pharmacies, having completed all the relevant training and signed up to provide the service by the closing date.

It is proposed that the Falls Intervention Service will be conducted until March 2013 or earlier* and the results will be evaluated and reported to participating community pharmacists and the Hertfordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups.

*The service will be reviewed if falls / osteoporosis medication were to be included within the New Medicines Service or Targeted MURs within the Advanced Services of the NHS community pharmacy contract.