Non-pharmacological intervention for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in primary health care

Norton, Christine, Dibley, Lesley and Jones, R (2010) Non-pharmacological intervention for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in primary health care. British Journal of General Practice, 60 (581). pp. 891-896. ISSN 0960-1643

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Abstract

Background Up to 50% of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) have persistent symptoms despite taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) regularly. Lifestyle advice is available to patients, but no previous UK study has tested a behavioural change intervention to help patients self-manage their symptoms. Aim To determine whether a primary care, nurse-led intervention to address behaviours that promote GORD symptoms results in symptom improvement, an increased sense of control, and a reduced requirement for prescribed medication. Design of study A group intervention focusing on diet and stress was delivered to patients with reflux symptoms, recruited in rural general practices. Setting General practice in England. Method Forty-two subjects (male 19, female 23) aged 31–86 years took part. Pre- and post-intervention data were gathered using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), the GORD Impact Scale (GIS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Results There was a significant improvement (BIPQ P<0.001, GIS P = 0.008) 3 months after the intervention. There was no reduction in PPI use or change in HAD score. The greatest improvements were demonstrated in domains measuring the patient's sense of control, perception of symptoms, and understanding of reflux. Patients reported benefits including understanding relevant anatomy and physiology, learning behavioural techniques to change eating patterns and manage stress, identifying actual and potential triggers, and developing and executing action plans. Conclusion An education programme for GORD enhances self-management, brings perceived symptom improvement, and promotes a sense of control at 3 months. This type of behavioural intervention, alongside medical management, could improve symptom control for reflux patients with refractory symptoms and should be the subject of a controlled trial.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	?? BucksNewUniversity ??
Depositing User:	ULCC Admin
Date Deposited:	23 Aug 2012 09:17
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2017 19:18
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/9671

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