Podcast
0.25 CME Credit
Substances and Falls in Older Adults: Recognizing Risk, Improving Outcomes - Frankly Speaking Ep 507Guest: Jillian Joseph, MPAS, PA-C
Music Credit: Matthew Bugos
Falls in older adults can have devastating consequences; substance use and prescription medications are often-overlooked risk factors. Tune in to explore how screening for substance use in a primary care environment may decrease fall and related injury risk in adults over 55. Come away with stronger identification and prevention practices.
Episode references and resource links:
- Babu KM, Haddad YK, Krotulski AJ, Causey ST, Vargas-Torres CC, Martinez PM, Goldberg EM, Dorfman JD, Bailey M, Chapman BP, Graham P, Lai JT, Saif R, Elhoussan R, Capeta Romero A, Londoño-Barreras R, Walton SE, Thomas DD, Logan BK, Merchant RC. Relationship of ethanol, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, and opioids to serious injuries from falls in adults aged 55 and older. J Emerg Med. 2026;84:46-58. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.12.017
- Colón-Emeric CS, McDermott CL, Lee DS, Berry SD. Risk Assessment and Prevention of Falls in Older Community-Dwelling Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2024;331(16):1397–1406. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.1416
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Interventions to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2024;332(1):51–57. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.8481
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Dr. Domino and his guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pri-Med.
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CME/CE Information
0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Release Date: 10/19/2026
Expiration Date: 10/19/2028
Learning Objectives
- Examine the epidemiology and clinical significance of falls in adults aged over 55 years
- Identify factors associated with increased risk of falls or increased risk of adverse outcomes
- Discuss the impact of substance and prescription drug use on older adults
Faculty
Frank J. Domino, MD
Professor, Family Medicine and Community Health,
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Jillian Joseph, MPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Department of PA Studies, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston, MA
Clinical Instructor, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
Disclosures
All relevant relationships have been mitigated by Pri-Med Institute:
Frank J. Domino, MD: Has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Jillian Joseph, MPAS, PA-C: Has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Non-faculty contributors involved in the planning, development, editing, and review of the content have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
CME/CE Information
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
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Pri-Med Institute designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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