Engelsk titel: Benzodiazepines - quality assurance of prescriptions in own general practice
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Författare:
Krogsaeter F
;
Straand J
Språk: Nor
Antal referenser: 16
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 00112131
Sammanfattning
BACKGROUND : Even if benzodiazepines are recommended for short-term use, they are prescribed for years. Doctors often feel uncomfortable about this.
MATERIAL AND METHODS : In this audit the prescription of benzodiazepines by one general practitioner was studied on the basis of the medical records, a mailed questionnaire to patients, and special benzodiazepine consultations which included diagnostic assessment. 17 long-term benzodiazepine users were given a follow-up which included general information, personal advice and alternative treatment aimed at discontinuing their use of benzodiazepines.
RESULTS : 76 out of 754 patients had received prescriptions for a benzodiazepine during the previous three years. The questionnaire was completed by 63 patients. The results revealed that the treatment had originally been initiated by a general practitioner in 78% of the cases, most commonly for anxiety (40%), sleeping difficulties (23%), or depression (10%). Their doctor had previously suggested benzodiazepine withdrawal in 46% of the patients. One third were long-term users. 46% of these had used this medication more than ten years; 90% suffered from chronic illness. After 17 months, 47% of the patients had stopped using benzodiazepines while another 29% used significantly less than before.
INTERPRETATION : A broad and individually tailored intervention towards patients in general practice may be a useful tool in reducing long-term use of benzodiazepines.