Change in Medication-Associated Fall Risk Among Older Adults After Admission for Fall-Related Trauma.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Trauma
• Pharmacology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Falls are a major cause of trauma in older adults, with multifactorial causes including medications.
• Sedating and anticholinergic medications are particularly associated with increased fall risk.
• The Drug Burden Index quantifies medication burden, correlating with impaired psychomotor function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate medication-associated fall risk in older patients upon admission and discharge.
• To assess changes in drug burden for elderly trauma patients during hospitalization.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study at a Level 1 trauma center (2018-2019).
• Included patients aged 65+ with fall-related trauma primary diagnosis and ≥7-day stay.
• Analyzed Drug Burden Index and total medication counts at admission and discharge.

Main Results:

• The Drug Burden Index was significantly higher at discharge (1.9) compared to admission (1.4).
• Total medication count also increased significantly from admission (11.0) to discharge (15.1).
• These findings indicate a greater burden of sedating and anticholinergic medications post-hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• Hospitalization for fall-related trauma in older adults is associated with an increased medication-related fall risk.
• Patients leave with a higher burden of potentially harmful medications, elevating the risk of subsequent falls.
• Interventions to manage medication burden during and after hospitalization are crucial for preventing recurrent falls.