Boltin D, Dotan I, Birkenfeld S. Improvement in the implementation of
Helicobacter pylori management guidelines among primary care physicians following a targeted educational intervention.
Ann Gastroenterol 2019;
32:52-59. [PMID:
30598592 PMCID:
PMC6302200 DOI:
10.20524/aog.2018.0329]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Consensus guidelines recommend that in regions with a high rate of clarithromycin resistance, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection be treated with 4 drugs. Compliance with this recommendation among primary care physicians (PCPs) is low. We aimed to examine whether PCP compliance with H. pylori treatment recommendations increased following a targeted educational intervention.
Methods
A questionnaire assessing H. pylori treatment was sent to >2000 PCPs in June 2015 and June 2018. In the interim, 3 interventions were performed: distribution of printed materials, educational outreach visits, and education over a social media platform.
Results
A total of 635 PCPs returned questionnaires, including 314 in 2015 and 321 in 2018 (148 [46.3%] male, age 44.7±10.9 years). The number of PCPs who recommended a 4-drug treatment protocol increased from 12 (3.8%) in 2015 to 119 (37.1%) in 2018 (P<0.001). The number of PCPs who recommended bismuth- or levofloxacin-based therapy for second-line treatment increased from 95 (30.3%) in 2015 to 247 (77.1%) in 2018 (P<0.001). Independent predictors for a 4-drug treatment protocol included central clinic location (odds ratio [OR] 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-5.60; P<0.003), exposure to printed educational materials (OR 1.64, 95%CI 0.99-2.72; P=0.04) and exposure to the social media platform (OR 6.60, 95%CI 3.08-14.13; P<0.001. There were no independent predictors of compliance with second-line treatment.
Conclusions
PCP compliance with H. pylori guidelines remains suboptimal. Educational initiatives may be effective in increasing PCPs’ knowledge and compliance with guidelines. Direct web-based interaction between PCPs and gastroenterologists may be particularly effective.
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