Norwegian GPs' Views on Prescribing Addictive Sleep Medications to Older Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Skjeie Holgeir, Brekke Mette, Skonnord Trygve
Primary Institution: University of Oslo, Institute of Health and Society
Hypothesis
What are the views of experienced Norwegian GPs on the regular prescription of addictive hypnotics to patients aged over 70 living at home?
Conclusion
A strict ban on prescribing addictive hypnotics to older people may not be practical or wise in general practice.
Supporting Evidence
- Most GPs interviewed prescribed z-hypnotics regularly to older patients despite knowing it contradicts guidelines.
- Participants emphasized the need to avoid creating new dependencies while managing existing prescriptions.
- Many GPs felt that their patients' stability on these medications was better than expected.
Takeaway
Doctors in Norway often give older patients sleeping pills even though guidelines say they shouldn't, because they believe these patients really need them.
Methodology
In-depth individual interviews with experienced family medicine specialists using a semi-structured interview guide.
Potential Biases
Potential confirmation and response biases due to the nature of qualitative interviews.
Limitations
The findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific context of Norwegian general practice.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 11 experienced GPs, aged 36-65, with a median of 20 years of experience, including 6 women and 5 men.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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