Survey on repeat prescribing for acid suppression drugs in primary care in Cornwall 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 indications by general practitioners (GPs) in a larger sample of practices than previous studies. Method: Practices in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were invited to identify the number of patients on repeat prescription for acid suppression drugs 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 suppression 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. Only 41% of patients had a proven diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or peptic ulcer. A review of notes was the most frequent way (36%) stated by GPs to review acid suppression therapy. Conclusion: The repeat rate found in our study was higher than that found in previous studies. A high proportion of older patients in Cornwall, as well as a continuing increase in the prescription of acid suppression drugs, may account for these results.