Falls are common, distressing and often preventable. Pharmacy technicians are well placed to notice early signs of falls risk during routine contact with patients, prescription collection, medicines reconciliation, blood pressure checks and discharge-related conversations.

This CPD module explains how pharmacy technicians can support safer practice by recognising possible falls risk, asking appropriate screening questions and escalating concerns to
their pharmacist.

Prevention matters

Falls and fractures are serious health issues for older people in the UK. A fall can cause pain, injury, loss of confidence, reduced independence and, in some cases, death.

The effects can be life-changing for the person and their family. Falls also place a substantial burden on health and social care.

NICE guideline NG249, ‘Falls: assessment and prevention in older people and in people 50 and over at higher risk’, highlights the need to identify risk early and take a multifactorial approach.

For pharmacy technicians, this does not mean diagnosing falls risk or changing medicines independently.

It means noticing concerns, asking relevant questions, supporting safe communication and ensuring their pharmacist has the information needed to decide next steps.