Physicians' attitudes toward gastroprotective strategies for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescription.

Introduction: There is a paucity of information regarding providers' attitudes toward gastric-protective strategies with concurrent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We aimed to assess gastric-protective strategies used upon prescribing NSAIDs and providers' awareness of societal guidelines for preventing NSAID-induced gastric complications.

Methods: A standardized 10-item questionnaire was sent to all orthopedic providers in North Carolina and South Carolina. The survey design and refinement were based on a literature review, item generation, and small and large focus group discussions.

Results: Forty-two orthopedists responded to the survey (response rate 16%). The most frequently used NSAIDs were meloxicam (79%), naproxen (69%), and ibuprofen (64%). NSAIDs were most commonly prescribed on an as-needed basis (52%), followed by <3 months (43%). The most common indications were degenerative arthritis (95%) and herniated disk (45%). Gastrointestinal adverse effects of NSAIDs were managed by discontinuing NSAID therapy (73%) or switching to a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (40%). A small proportion were managed by referring to another physician (36%). Some clinicians prescribed gastric prophylaxis for patients at high risk for NSAID-induced gastric complications (24%). The academic setting was significantly associated with gastric prophylaxis and frequent assessment for NSAID-induced gastric adverse events. Providers with >20 years of experience showed similar trends. In low-risk patients, compliance with gastroprotective prophylaxis prescription was low (5%). Most providers were unaware of the societal guidelines for NSAID-induced gastric complications or the preventive strategies.

Conclusion: Prescription of gastric-protective medications with concurrent NSAID therapy is relatively low among orthopedists. Academic setting and higher years of experience showed a significant trend toward more gastric-protective medication prescription, COX-2 inhibitor use, and frequent assessments for gastric adverse events when prescribing NSAID therapy. Provider education on the latest societal guidelines and computer-based alerts can increase compliance and assessment for NSAID-induced gastric complications and preventive strategies.