Community pharmacists' knowledge, confidence, and perceived need for training on fall-risk increasing drugs and fall prevention: a cross-sectional study in Selangor, Malaysia.

Objectives: Community pharmacists (CPs) can offer fall prevention services to minimize fall risks among older people. To effectively perform fall prevention activities, CPs need sufficient knowledge about fall prevention and fall-risk increasing drugs (FRIDs), as well as the confidence to execute fall prevention activities. This study aims to identify gaps in CPs' knowledge about fall prevention and FRIDs, as well as assess their confidence in implementing fall prevention activities and perceived-need for training.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was undertaken over 4 weeks from 21 June to 19 July 2023, among CPs in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.

Key findings: Overall, 369 attempted the survey (response rate: 99.5%). However, the completion rate was 79.9% (295/369). Most were female (67.8%, 200/295) and aged 25-30 (43%, 127/295). Many CPs were unaware that FRIDs such as antiepileptics, centrally acting antihypertensives, diuretics, and medications for overactive bladder and incontinence could increase fall risks. CPs had limited knowledge of resources for identifying FRIDs, with only 35.6% (105/295) of them aware of the Beers criteria. Furthermore, knowledge gaps were identified among CPs regarding fall prevention activities, particularly concerning the deprescribing of FRIDs. CPs had limited confidence in recommending deprescribing and offering advice to minimize medication-related fall risks. Most CPs believed that they received inadequate training in fall prevention and FRIDs and recognized the importance of such training.

Conclusion: Knowledge and confidence gaps were identified among CPs regarding fall prevention and FRIDs. Enhanced education and training for CPs are essential for effective fall prevention.