title: General practitioners' perspectives on the management of gout: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many quantitative studies globally have identified suboptimal management of gout.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore management of gout from the perspective of general practitioners (GPs), while identifying the barriers and possible strategies for improvement.
  
  
  METHODS
  This descriptive qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 14 purposely selected GPs from four separate general practices in Townsville. The questions focused on management strategies, practicalities in managing gout, barriers and possible strategies to improve management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Indomethacin was commonly reported to be used in acute gout with progression to allopurinol after the acute stage had subsided. There were differences with the initial allopurinol dose and follow-up periods. GPs reported lack of patient adherence to allopurinol and lifestyle modifications, mainly due to lack of education. Most suggested the need for allied health input and improved patient education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tailor-made plan in terms of education and lifestyle advice could help adherence to gout management.
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine and Dentistry James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeyaruban
authors.affiliation: The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Australia.
authors.forename: Muriel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soden
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine and Dentistry James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Larkins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare; D000368:Aged; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003078:Colchicine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004035:Diet Therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D006073:Gout / Q000628:therapy*; D006074:Gout Suppressants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D000070659:Patient Comfort; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006074:Gout Suppressants; D000493:Allopurinol; D003078:Colchicine; D007213:Indomethacin