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Continuation of Proton Pump Inhibitors from Hospital to Community

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Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the appropriateness of initiation of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment in hospital, the quality of discharge information, and any association with continued treatment in the community.

Method

Survey of all inpatients newly initiated on a PPI in June–August 2003. Assessment of appropriateness of therapy and completeness of discharge information; assessment of continuation of PPI therapy in the community after 6 months.

Results

Thirty-five of 58 patients (60%) were considered appropriately commenced on PPI treatment. Less than 25% of patients discharged on a PPI had discharge information recommending duration of treatment or review. In the “appropriate” group 30 patients (86%) were discharged on omeprazole, and 13/21 (62%) evaluable patients remained on this at 6 months. In the “inappropriate” group 15 (65%) were discharged on omeprazole, and 10/14 (71%) evaluable patients remained on this at 6 months. Older patients remained on omeprazole for a longer duration but appropriateness of commencement did not influence the duration of treatment. Dose titration was attempted for 10 (29%) patients including three from the “inappropriate” group.

Conclusion

Care should be taken to commence PPIs only when clinically indicated. Discharge information to GPs, especially recommendations for duration of treatment and/or dose titration, requires improvement.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the hospital pharmacists who assisted with this project and The New Zealand Pharmacy Education and Research Foundation who supported the project by providing a summer studentship grant.

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Correspondence to June Tordoff.

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Grant, K., Al-Adhami, N., Tordoff, J. et al. Continuation of Proton Pump Inhibitors from Hospital to Community. Pharm World Sci 28, 189–193 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-006-9028-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-006-9028-4

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