Physicians’ Perspectives on Prescribing Benzodiazepines for Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

摘要: There is a continued high prevalence of benzodiazepine use by older community-residing adults and their prescription practitioners, despite well known adverse effects the availability safer, effective alternatives. To understand factors influencing chronic benzodiazepines in adults. Qualitative study, semistructured interviews with physicians. Thirty-three practicing primary care physicians around Philadelphia. were audiotaped, transcribed, entered into qualitative software program. A multidisciplinary team coded transcripts developed themes. Physicians generally endorsed as treatment for anxiety, citing quick action strong patient satisfaction. The was not seen to be problematic because they did show drug-seeking or escalating dose behavior suggesting addiction. minimized other risks view monitoring restricting renewal prescriptions an important clinical focus relative higher-priority medical issues. Many expressed skepticism about considerable pessimism successful taper/discontinuation patients long-term prior failed attempts. also anticipated resistance any such efforts, including switching Primary are averse addressing public health problem overuse elderly. Their attitudes conflict practice guidelines complain lack training constructive strategies address this problem. 2-pronged effort should on increasing skill level preventing new cases dependency through improved education vigilant renewal.