Proton Pump Inhibitor Prescribing and Monitoring Patterns among Gastroenterology Practitioners

Goals: The aim was to quantify proton pump inhibitor (PPI) practice habits among gastroenterology (GI) practitioners. Background: Reports of side effects have prompted patients and practitioners alike to discontinue PPI use. Emerging evidence-based literature on PPI risks and safety seek to guide practitioners, but the impact of this literature on PPI prescribing patterns has not been evaluated. Study: We performed an anonymous online survey of US GI practitioners across 6 academic and community affiliated medical centers. Demographic data including practice type and number of weekly gastroesophageal reflux disease patients seen were obtained. Survey questions evaluated practitioners' monitoring for PPI side effects, dose adjustments, and sources of information about PPI risks. Results: The survey response rate was 60% (256/429). The majority of respondents were male (169, 66%) attending physicians (178, 70%) practicing general GI (63, 25%). There were 92 (36%) respondents who reported testing for PPI side effects at least once a year. Most respondents (143, 56%) reported discontinuing PPIs at least 50% of the time because of patients' concerns about PPI side effects. The majority of respondents reported getting their information regarding PPI safety from published journals (239, 98%) as well as colleagues (222, 91%). Conclusions: Despite best available evidence suggesting safety of long-term PPI use without routine monitoring, stopping PPIs and monitoring for potential side effects occurs frequently, even within a cohort of mostly academic GI practitioners. Alternative strategies are needed to improve adherence to best practices, especially since gastroenterologists often serve as PPI experts.