Extract

Background and study aims Clinicians mainly prescribe benzodiazepines (BZDs) to treat anxiety and insomnia, or as adjuvants (i.e. in addition to other therapy) in treatment of depression. International guidelines specifically recommend short-term use because long-term use can increase the risk of cognitive impairment (not being able to think clearly), falls, fractures, and mortality (death). Despite these potentially harmful consequences, many physicians prescribe BZDs for long periods. General practitioners (GPs) issue most of these prescriptions, so withdrawal should also be managed by GPs; however, doctors and patients often consider stopping BZD as very challenging. A primary care (GP-run) structured intervention (program) to reduce the use of BZD has led to a significant drop in the number of long-term benzodiazepine users. The aim of this study is to see whether GPs that have had workshop training in BZD prescription/discontinuation and have been provided with information on the BZDs they give to patients (prescribe) every month will prescribe less of them than GPs that are not given the training or information. Who can participate? GPs working in Balearic Island Primary Care, Tarragona-Reus Primary Care and Arnau de Vilanova-llíria Primary Care health care centers. What does the study involve? Health care centers enrolled in the study are randomly allocated to one of two groups, an intervention and a control group. GPs working in a health care center allocated to the intervention group attend a two hour workshop about BZD prescription and discontinuation. They then receive monthly information about the BZD prescriptions they provide over the next year. GPs working in a health center allocated to the control group do not receive any specific training, nor information about their prescriptions. All GPs are assessed after a year to see whether they have reduced the number of BZD prescriptions they provide. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? GPs may benefit from a specific training in BZD prescription and discontinuation and their patients may benefit from reducing their use of these drugs. There are no known risks to participants taking part in this study. Where is the study run from? Son Serra- La Vileta Health care center, Palma (Spain) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? January 2016 to December 2018 Who is funding the study? Carlos III Health Institute of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Spain) Who is the main contact? Dr Caterina Vicens (scientific) [email protected]

Inclusion criteria

• Benzodiazepine consumption

Links

• isrctn