Gastroesophageal reflux disease: the case for improving patient education in primary care

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects up to 25% of the western population, and the annual expenditure for managing GERD is estimated to be more than $14 billion. Most GERD patients do not consult a specialist, but rather rely on their primary care physician for symptom management. Research has shown that many patients--regardless of diagnosis--do not fully understand what their doctors tell them and remain uncertain as to what they are supposed to do to take care of themselves. To determine if patients are adequately educated in the management of GERD, we conducted a survey.

We administered a survey to patients with GERD in an outpatient setting and explored their knowledge of such management practices as modification of behavior and diet and use of medication.

Of 333 patients enrolled, 66% reported having an in-depth discussion with their primary care physician. Among patients taking a proton pump inhibitor, 85% of those who’d had an in-depth discussion were aware of the best time to take their medication, compared with only 18% of those who did not have an in-depth discussion. In addition, patients who’d had in-depth conversations were significantly more likely than those who didn’t to know some of the behavior modification measures that might improve their symptoms.

Our study underscores the need for primary care providers to fully discuss GERD with their patients to improve overall management of the disease.