arriba-med PPI

Since the introduction of the first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole in 1989, the number of PPI prescriptions has risen linearly. In Germany, for example, prescriptions more than doubled in 2018 compared to 2008. With the increase in prescriptions, there is also increasing evidence of serious side effects. Among other things, osteoporotic fractures, pneumonia and renal insufficiency have been observed with long-term use.

The digital decision aid (arriba®-PPI) was developed to reduce unnecessary prescriptions. With the help of this counselling tool, treating physicians can discuss the reason for PPI use and the advantages and disadvantages of the medication with their patients. The aim is to reach a joint decision in favour of or against discontinuing the PPI on the basis of treatment recommendations and further information on discontinuation.

In the randomised controlled intervention study "arriba-med PPI", we are currently investigating whether the use of the arriba®-PPI decision aid in patient counselling leads to a reduction in PPI prescriptions. To this end, we are comparing the prescribing behaviour of practices that have been provided with the tool with that of practices that have advised their patients in the conventional way, i.e. without the tool.

In order to gain additional insight into the experiences of users with the arriba®-PPI tool, telephone interviews were conducted as a random sample. Doctors and patients who used the tool or were counselled with the help of the tool were interviewed. By analysing the data, the tool can be modified for future implementation in GP practices.

The data collection will be completed in October 2020. We will then analyse the collected data together with our project partners (Philipps University Marburg and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf) and publish the results in specialist journals next year.