Patients’ attitudes and experiences with an intervention programme to reduce chronic acid suppressing drug intake in primary care.

Aim: To evaluate the experience and attitude of patients with an acid suppressing drug (ASD) cessation programme, introduced in a large region with 1278 GPs. Design and Methods: A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 2377 patients on long term ASD (>180 DDD annually) from participating practices. The questionnaire was based on the existing ‘Consumers Assessment of Health Plan Survey’ methodology extended with items regarding ASD use, derived from interviews with patients. A psychometric principal component analyses assessed the role of the patients’ GP in three scales (quality of support; communication and conduct; involvement in decisions). The average score for both experience and importance were transformed into quality impact indices. Results: 1808 (76%) questionnaires were returned; 1270 (54%) could be analysed; 197 (16%) patients participated in the program. They did not differ from the non-participants; except for that 11% more of them indicated their health as (very) good. More than 70% of all patients had no problem being approached for the ASD cessation programme, but the majority of participants were not satisfied about the support of their GP (stopping reasons, 50%; lifestyle habits, 68%; rebound effects, 76%). The improvement score for quality of support was 8.6. Compared to non-participating patients a significant number of participants did stop ASD (16% versus 7%). Conclusion: Though a majority of patients on long term ASD is willing to cooperate in a drug reduction programme, only 16% of those participating did stop successfully. This can be improved through a better support of the GPs