Via practica 5/2010

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease by Slovak GPs

Electronic prescription data in 8 GP practices (covering 14.000 patients) were analyzed in order to recognize whether the recommendations for GERD treatment are followed. Prescription rate for recommended PPIs was 72,5 % only, with omeprazole as the most prescribed PPI (60 %). Despite many educational activities the H2-receptor antagonists prescription rate is still high. An effective management of GERD in GP practices remains a challenge. There is a need of more effective education of GPs. The potential of electronic databases in general practices is great, however still undervalued.

Keywords: GERD, PPIs, H2-blockers, education, electronic prescription