Evidence map›Paper›PMID 27282559›Full record

SynthesisThe patient2017

A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Patients' Experiences and Perceptions of Seeking and Using Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs: Towards Safer Prescribing.

Coral Sirdifield, Susan Y Chipchase, Sara Owen, Aloysius Niroshan Siriwardena

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in The patient, 2017. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 45 papers, 4 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
45citing papers in PubMed, 4 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

45 citing papers in PubMed, 4 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

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  12. Observational
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  18. Initial validation of the expectancies for Benzodiazepine Analgesia Scale.Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology · 2024
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Coral SirdifieldCommunity and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Bridge House, Brayford Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK. csirdifield@lincoln.ac.uk.
Susan Y ChipchaseSchool of Psychology, Bridge House, Brayford Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
Sara OwenCollege of Social Science, Brayford Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
Aloysius Niroshan SiriwardenaCommunity and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, Bridge House, Brayford Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBenzodiazepines and Z-drugs are used to treat complaints like insomnia, anxiety and pain. These drugs are recommended for short-term use only, but many studies report long-term use, particularly in older people.

objectiveThe aim of this study was to identify and synthesise qualitative studies exploring patients' experiences and perceptions of receiving benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, and through this identify factors which perpetuate use of these drugs, and strategies for achieving safer prescribing.

methodsA systematic search of six databases for qualitative studies exploring patients' experiences and perceptions of primary care benzodiazepine and z-drug prescribing published between January 2000 and April 2014 in a European language, and conducted in Europe, the United States, Australia or New Zealand. Reference lists of included papers were also searched. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. Findings were synthesised using thematic synthesis.

resultsNine papers were included and seven analytical themes were identified relating to patients' experiences and perceptions and, within that, strategies for safer prescribing of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs: (1) patients' negative perceptions of insomnia and its impact, (2) failed self-care strategies, (3) triggers to medical help-seeking, (4) attitudes towards treatment options and service provision, (5) varying patterns of use, (6) withdrawal, (7) reasons for initial or ongoing use.

conclusionsInappropriate use and prescribing of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs is perpetuated by psychological dependence, absence of support and patients' denial/lack of knowledge of side effects. Education strategies, increased availability of alternatives, and targeted extended dialogue with patients could support safer prescribing.

Indexed as

AdultAgedAged, 80 and overAnxiety DisordersAustraliaBenzodiazepinesDrug-Related Side Effects and Adverse ReactionsEuropeFemaleHumansInappropriate PrescribingMaleMiddle AgedPainQualitative ResearchSelf CareBenzodiazepines

Identifiers

PMID27282559

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.