Survey on repeat prescribing for acid suppression drugs in primary care inCornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Background: Repeat prescriptions for acid suppression therapy represent an important burden on health care resources. Aim: To determine the prevalence of acid suppression therapy and its indica tions by general practitioners (GPs) in a larger sample of practices than p revious studies. Method: Practices in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were invited to ident ify the number of patients on repeat prescription for acid suppression drug s in their practice, to review the indication for treatment in a sample of 50 patients, and to indicate the mode of review of these patients. Results: Out of 77 practices, 42 (55%) participated in the study. Overall, 5% of patients were authorized to receive a repeat prescription for acid su ppression drugs. Repeat rates varied between practices, from 1.68% to 11.11 %. Repeat rates increased with age and were higher in men than in women. On ly 41% of patients had a proven diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux dise ase or peptic ulcer. A review of notes was the most frequent way (36%) stat ed by GPs to review acid suppression therapy. Conclusion: The repeat rate found in our study was higher than that found i n previous studies. A high proportion of older patients in Cornwall, as wel l as a continuing increase in the prescription of acid suppression drugs, m ay account for these results.