Fall prevention in nursing homes continues to be a major focus for quality improvement in patient safety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), medication management can reduce interactions and side effects that may lead to falls. Although many medication classes have been linked to falls, the evidence is strongest for a few drug categories. For patients 65 or older, Eliminate medications if there is no active indication to use them, reduce doses of necessary medications (e.g., antihypertensives) to the lowest effective dose. Avoid prescribing medications for an older person where the risk from side effects outweighs the benefit (e.g., skeletal muscle relaxants). MOST importantly, reduce or eliminate: Psychoactive drugs, especially any benzodiazepines. Any medications with side effects like drowsiness, sedation, blurred vision, or confusion. Sedating over-the-counter (OTC) medications, specifically Benadryl and Tylenol PM, which contains Benadryl.
Although only approximately 5% of adults aged 65 years and older live in nursing homes, this population accounts for approximately 20% of fall-related deaths in this age group. Between 50% and 75% of nursing home residents fall annually, which is twice the rate of falls in community-dwelling older adults. In addition, elderly individuals fall at an average rate of 2.6 falls per person per year. Falls result in disability, functional decline, reduced quality of life, and even death. In fact, approximately 1800 nursing home residents die from falls each year. In addition, fear of falling can cause further loss of function, depression, feelings of helplessness, and social isolation.
Fall prevention is essential. So what if there was a tool available that would tell you if an individuals medications were working properly, would you use it? Pharmacogenomics is an evidence-based test that provides healthcare professionals with individual reports and actionable treatment recommendations. This not only manages current medication regimens, it is a roadmap for the future.
A simple swab of the cheek will help guide healthcare professionals with proper prescribing.
So why now? Pharmacogenomics has been around for decades but it is just now coming to the forefront of the healthcare industry because now it is affordable. There is no cost for medicare B patients and in select states, medicaid covers it as well.
So if you are looking for a way to help reduce falls, save money, and increase the quality of life for your residents, contact:
PGx Medical
Individualized Care – Personalized Medicine
info@pgxmed.com
405-509-5112