Implementation of a fall prevention service conducted by phone in Dutch community pharmacies: The patients’ perspective.

Abstract

Introduction: Falls among the elderly are of great concern. The use of fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) often plays a role in the risk of a fall. Therefore, community pharmacies are a good setting for fall prevention services. In view of digitization and corona, it is desirable to have a fall consultation carried out by telephone. Method: This qualitative study aims to gain insight into patient experiences over a fall prevention service by telephone in Dutch community pharmacies. Inclusion criteria were: Age ≥70 years, community-dwelling, using at least five drugs and one FRID and being able to speak Dutch. Patients were registered in one of three community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Data were collected between February and May 2021, and interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Results: Evaluation interviews were conducted with 34 patients. Patients appreciated interpersonal involvement between the patient and the pharmacy team, knowledge, and efficiency of the pharmacy team. No patients started doing something practically different after the fall consultation. Patients generally liked that their medication was reviewed. The telephone aspect was of little influence on patient experience. Discussion/conclusion: In general, patients were positive about the fall prevention service. Despite this, the findings reveal that virtually all patients had trouble remembering what they were advised. This leads to believe that the role of the community pharmacist in an effective, multifaceted fall prevention service needs to be further investigated.