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Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Impact of guidelines on GP management
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 21:44 authored by Kirby, K, Piterman, L, Mark NelsonMark Nelson, Dent, JBackground: This program examined the impact of clinical guidelines and a 3 year self audit process on general practitioners' diagnosis and management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Methods: Nine hundred and sixty-six Australian GPs participated in a retrospective five step clinical audit reporting on data for 28 622 patients. Results: General practitioners demonstrated significant improvements in their diagnosis and management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease across the audit period, including: a significant 3% decrease in use of endoscopy improved GP assessment and identification of risk factors and exacerbants significant increases in GP recommendations for patient weight loss and dietary change (7 and 10% respectively) a significant 4% reduction in patient use of medications that may exacerbate reflux symptoms. Discussion: The findings provide a snapshot of current diagnostic and management practices in Australian general practice, and highlight the benefits of clinical audit as a tool for eliciting evidence based, guideline driven practice change.
History
Publication title
Australian Family PhysicianVolume
37Issue
1/2Pagination
73-77ISSN
0300-8495Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Royal Australian College of General PractitionersPlace of publication
AustraliaRepository Status
- Restricted