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Rheumatology 2002; 41: 14-21
© 2002 British Society for Rheumatology

Original Papers

A nurse-delivered advice intervention can reduce chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in general practice: a randomized controlled trial

A. C. Jones1,, L. Coulson, K. Muir, K. Tolley, A. Lophatananon, L. Everitt, M. Pringle2 and M. Doherty

Division of Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, Nottingham University,
1 Rheumatology Unit, City Hospital Nottingham and
2 Division of General Practice, Nottingham University, Nottingham, UK

Objective. To find out whether a nurse-delivered educational package can reduce chronic oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage in general practice.

Method. A prospective randomized controlled trial with assessment of economic cost/benefits was carried out in five general practices in Nottinghamshire with computerized prescribing systems, representing a mix of rural/urban and fundholding/non-fundholding practices. Patients suffering from non-malignant, non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain received repeat prescriptions for oral NSAIDs. Two hundred and twenty-two patients were randomized to a control group (simple advice regarding NSAID use) or an intervention group (asked to withdraw their NSAIDs and employ appropriate alternative drug and non-drug therapies). All advice was supported by patient literature and delivered by a nurse practitioner trained in musculoskeletal assessment. The primary outcome measure was change in NSAID use 6 months after the intervention. Secondary outcome measures were changes in health and quality of life (SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires) and drug, health service and patient costs.

Results. An extra 28% of patients in the intervention group either stopped taking oral NSAIDs or reduced dosage by >=50% at 6 months compared with controls. There was no detrimental effect on health and well-being. Oral NSAID prescription costs were significantly lowered in the intervention group but not in the control group. A non-significant increase in total drug prescription costs occurred in both groups.

Conclusions. Nurse-based intervention can reduce chronic NSAID usage and costs in primary care and would be cost-effective if maintained in the long term. This intervention package would be readily applicable in primary care.

KEY WORDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Patient education, Randomized controlled trial, Economic evaluation, Musculoskeletal disease.

Correspondence to: A. C. Jones, Rheumatology Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.


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