What makes individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease dissatisfied with their treatment?

TY - JOUR

T1 - What makes individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease dissatisfied with their treatment?

AU - Bytzer, Peter

N1 - Keywords: Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Patient Satisfaction; Physician-Patient Relations; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Quality of Life

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as therapeutics for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in randomized controlled trials, a number of studies have shown that a proportion of patients with GERD are not satisfied with their treatment. This article reviews the possible reasons why patients are dissatisfied with the way their disease is managed. METHODS: Studies published between 1970 and 2007 were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, and the author's existing database. The 2708 publications were reviewed, and irrelevant ones were excluded. Eleven studies were found to be appropriate for use in this review. RESULTS: Patients who are given prescriptions for PPIs tend to be more satisfied than those given H(2)-receptor antagonists. Partial responders are likely to be more dissatisfied than patients whose symptoms are fully resolved. A decrease in health-related quality of life is associated with greater dissatisfaction. Patients are more likely to be satisfied if they are taken seriously by their physician and if their symptoms are investigated. They are also more likely to be satisfied if the patient-physician consultation is interactive. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction is a complex issue that depends on many factors. Patient satisfaction can be influenced by treatment regimen, general level of well-being, the bedside manner of the physician, and the quality of patient-physician communication. Improvements in recognition of GERD can improve management of the disease as well as patient satisfaction with their care and treatment.

AB - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as therapeutics for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in randomized controlled trials, a number of studies have shown that a proportion of patients with GERD are not satisfied with their treatment. This article reviews the possible reasons why patients are dissatisfied with the way their disease is managed. METHODS: Studies published between 1970 and 2007 were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, and the author's existing database. The 2708 publications were reviewed, and irrelevant ones were excluded. Eleven studies were found to be appropriate for use in this review. RESULTS: Patients who are given prescriptions for PPIs tend to be more satisfied than those given H(2)-receptor antagonists. Partial responders are likely to be more dissatisfied than patients whose symptoms are fully resolved. A decrease in health-related quality of life is associated with greater dissatisfaction. Patients are more likely to be satisfied if they are taken seriously by their physician and if their symptoms are investigated. They are also more likely to be satisfied if the patient-physician consultation is interactive. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction is a complex issue that depends on many factors. Patient satisfaction can be influenced by treatment regimen, general level of well-being, the bedside manner of the physician, and the quality of patient-physician communication. Improvements in recognition of GERD can improve management of the disease as well as patient satisfaction with their care and treatment.

U2 - 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.03.006

DO - 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.03.006

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 19286478

SN - 1542-3565

VL - 7

SP - 816

EP - 822

JO - Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

JF - Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

IS - 8

ER -