Patient attitudes towards and experiences with an intervention programme to reduce chronic acid-suppressing drug intake in primary care

Abstract

Objective: Many patients are using acid-suppressing drugs (ASD) unnecessary. An insurance company initiated intervention programme aiming at reduction of chronic ASD use, was introduced in primary care-practices. We evaluated the attitude and experiences of the participating patients.

Methods: A survey was conducted among a random sample of 2376 long-term ASD users using a validated questionnaire that combined CAHPS and QUOTE methodology. Using a psychometric principal component analysis we assessed the role of GPs in three scales: quality of support; communication and conduct; involvement in decisions. Both the importance of and experiences with quality items, transformed into quality impact indices, were measured.

Results: Of 2376 questionnaires distributed, 1808 (76%) were returned, 1270 (54%) were valid. 188 were of patients that participated in the programme. The majority was dissatisfied with the GPs' support: no information about rebound side effects (76%), lifestyle habits (68%), and reasons to stop (50%). Compared to the non-participants 9% more participants stopped ASD use (P = 0.04).

Conclusion: A majority of patients on chronic ASD was prepared to participate in the drug-reduction programme. Although 16% succeeded in stopping ASD use, the majority was dissatisfied with the role of the GP. Improved GP support might have make more patients stop using ASD.