Patient and provider perspectives on deprescribing proton pump inhibitors

The aim of the current study is to describe proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing trends in an older adult population and elucidate perspectives regarding PPI deprescribing. A retrospective chart review and a prospective cross-sectional analysis of provider and patient surveys were conducted. The retrospective chart review identified 107 patients age ≥65 who were prescribed PPI therapy. Nineteen patients on PPI therapy and 74 providers completed surveys regarding their perspectives on PPI deprescribing. PPI therapy was potentially inappropriate for 66% of patients based on dose, duration, and/or indication. Provider barriers to deprescribing included fear of outcomes, access to documentation, and uncertainty of current guidelines. This study illustrates the prevalence of long-term PPI use in geriatric patients without associated clinical indications, as well as perceived barriers to deprescribing. Long-term PPI use is associated with significant side effects; therefore, successful deprescribing must address these perceived barriers.