Table 5.
Risk factors (RFs) of patients reported by doctors in the educational program according to either a non-restrictive or a restrictive definition1 n (%)
| Number of RFs |
Non-restrictive |
Restrictive |
||
| Phase I2 | Phase II3 | Phase I2 | Phase II3 | |
| 0 | 347 (20.03) | 352 (20.44) | 961 (55.48) | 891 (51.74) |
| 1 | 660 (38.11) | 598 (34.73) | 558 (32.22) | 573 (33.28) |
| 2 | 517 (29.85) | 536 (31.13) | 176 (10.16) | 213 (12.37) |
| > 2 | 208 (12.01) | 236 (13.70) | 37 (2.14) | 45 (2.61) |
| Total | 1732 (100) | 1722 (100) | 1732 (100) | 1722 (100) |
A non-restrictive definition of risk factors for NSAID-related complications included age > 60 years, history of dyspepsia, history of either complicated or non-complicated ulcer, concomitant therapy with NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin, or anticoagulants or corticosteroids. A restrictive definition of risk factors included age ≥ 70 years, history of complicated or non-complicated ulcer, concomitant therapy with NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin, or anticoagulants or corticosteroids;
In Phase I, the specialists received an anonymous questionnaire regarding data and prescriptions for their last five consecutive patients;
In Phase II, the process was repeated 4-5 mo later after specialists had attended an evidence-based seminar that reviewed current evidence on NSAID-related issues, with a focus on GI prevention strategies in NSAID users.