Determining physicians' knowledge and attitudes when prescribing drugs to treat gastrointestinal disorders

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 10% to 15% of the US population. The causes of PUD are many, including high acid production, low bicarbonate secretion, and infection due to Helicobacter pylori. In 1992, the Vermont Medicaid Program noted a significant increase in prescription drug expenditures, particularly in the area of treatment of PUD. The purpose of this study was to review Medicaid prescription data and to use focus group methodology to gain an understanding of rural nonacademic and semiurban academic physicians' prescribing decisions regarding the treatment of PUD.

Pharmaceutical data from 1991 and 1992, provided by the Department of Social Welfare, Medicaid Division, was reviewed. Focus group discussions were held with primary-care providers from rural and semiurban regions with Vermont.

Pharmaceutical review revealed that expenditures increased 21% for gastrointestinal drugs from 1991 to 1992. Drug utilization review of pharmaceutical prescriptions revealed that H2 antagonists were being prescribed for greater than the recommended 6 to 8 weeks in 60% of the cases. Focus group discussions showed that rural nonacademic and urban academic physicians had similar concerns and management plans in regard to their patients with peptic ulcer disease. However, differences existed in physician perceptions regarding pharmaceutical effectiveness of various agents for the treatment of PUD.

Physician education outreach programs should be designed to standardize treatment methodology for PUD throughout the state. This standardization of treatment could have a significant impact on healthcare costs and the ease with which patients can eradicate this disease.