Patient compliance with proton pump inhibitor therapy in an otolaryngology practice.
OBJECTIVE
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used for the treatment of numerous otolaryngological disorders. It has been demonstrated that administration of the medication 15 to 45 minutes before a meal optimizes acid suppression. The rate of compliance with optimal PPI dosage patterns in an otolaryngology practice is not known. We sought to determine the rate of PPI compliance in patients seen in an otolaryngology practice.


METHODS
We conducted an interview at a tertiary voice and swallowing center of 200 consecutive patients who were taking PPIs.


RESULTS
Overall, 54% of patients took their PPI in an optimal manner. The rate of compliance was significantly higher for patients who had their PPI prescribed by an otolaryngologist (62%) than for patients whose PPI was prescribed by a non-otolaryngologist (40%).


CONCLUSIONS
Nearly half of all patients seen at a voice and swallowing center were not compliant with optimal PPI usage. This percentage is similar to that found for other long-term medications. Patient education can lead to higher rates of compliance, improved acid control, and possibly improved treatment outcomes.
Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA.
Neil N
NN
Chheda
Gregory N
GN
Postma
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors