Supporting patients

Patients vary in their values, preferences and care goals. Some may be more concerned about losing independence than about a fall itself, while others may be worried about pain, fractures, hospital admission or needing more support at home.

Pharmacy technicians can support person-centred conversations by listening carefully and passing relevant concerns to the pharmacist.

Questions such as “What worries you most about falling?”, “What changes would feel manageable?” and “What would help you feel safer when moving around?” can help identify practical barriers.

NICE recommends key interventions such as exercise, medication optimisation, home safety interventions, vision and hearing review, footwear advice and referral to specialist services.

Walking aids should not be presented as a universal standalone falls prevention intervention.

You should follow agreed pathways within your pharmacy when concerns arise. This may include informing the responsible pharmacist, documenting the concern, advising the patient to contact their GP practice, or signposting to local falls prevention, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or urgent care services where appropriate.

Escalation is particularly important after a recent fall, injury, blackout, suspected syncope, sudden change in mobility, new confusion, repeated dizziness or concern about medicine-related adverse effects. Avoid reassuring a patient that a medicine is safe if they describe symptoms that could indicate harm.

Interventions

The Discharge Medicines Service provides an important opportunity to identify recent medicine changes, new FRIDs, adherence concerns and symptoms such as dizziness or sedation.

The period after discharge from hospital can be high risk, so timely communication between pharmacy, the patient and clinical teams is essential.

Blood pressure checks can also support falls prevention. If a patient describes postural symptoms, pharmacy technicians should record the information clearly and ensure it is reviewed by the pharmacist.

Conversations about repeat prescriptions may reveal patterns such as early or late ordering, unused medicines, confusion about dose changes or requests for medicines that cause drowsiness.

These clues can help the pharmacy team identify patients who may benefit from a medication review or falls-related referral.

Conclusion

By noticing warning signs, asking appropriate questions, identifying possible FRIDs and escalating concerns promptly, pharmacy technicians can make an important contribution to safer medicines use and earlier falls prevention.