Research Feb/19: Long-term use of benzos and z-drugs: a qualitative study ...

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Journal: British Journal of General Practice Open

 

Full title: "Long-term use of benzodiazepines and Z drugs: a qualitative study of patients' and healthcare professionals' perceptions and possible levers for change."

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z drugs is associated with various side effects, they remain popular among the older population. Possible reasons for this phenomenon could be ineffective ways of transmitting information on the health risks associated with long-term use, and communication gaps between patients and healthcare professionals.

 

AIM:

The aim was to investigate the views of patients, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists regarding long-term BZD and Z drug use.

 

DESIGN & SETTING:

The qualitative study design used focus group interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and nurses in Hamburg. Patient interviews were conducted in Lippstadt, Germany.

 

METHOD:

The interviews were audiotaped with each participant's permission, transcribed, and thematically analysed using a software program for qualitative research (MAXQDA).

 

RESULTS:

The data from the four focus groups consisting of 28 participants were analysed. Patients indicated lack of knowledge about risks and side effects, difficult access to alternatives, and fears of ceasing drug use without professional support. Although the physicians were reported to be cautious about prescribing BZDs and Z drugs, the psychosocial problems of older patients are often considered to be complex and treatment knowledge, experience, and resources are frequently unsatisfactory. Nurses described that when BZDs were prescribed, they did not feel it was their responsibility to evaluate their effects. Pharmacists were reported to be strongly ambivalent in informing patients about the risks, which may contradict the prescription advice provided by the physician.

 

CONCLUSION:

Patients, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists reported differences in the perception of long-term BZD and Z drug use. Nevertheless, all of the participants described lack of information and expressed the need for greater communication exchange.

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31049408

[[La...]]

This part bothers me so much:

 

"Nurses described that when BZDs were prescribed, they did not feel it was their responsibility to evaluate their effects. Pharmacists were reported to be strongly ambivalent in informing patients about the risks, which may contradict the prescription advice provided by the physician."

 

If medical professionals are reluctant to take any responsibility for providing information or appropriate patient care, then it begs the question: Why are they doing such work?

 

It's beyond disappointing. It's unconscionable.

 

 

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I thought it was very telling and in my experience, reflective of reality.  While physicians are often the target and are in part to blame, it’s really a multifactorial problem including aspects of patients’ lives like loneliness.

[[La...]]

And I've been saying for quite awhile that pharmacists should play a huge role when it comes to educating patients about medications they're taking. It's a primary role for them.