ArticleBJGP open2019
Long-term use of benzodiazepines and Z drugs: a qualitative study of patients' and healthcare professionals' perceptions and possible levers for change.
Article in BJGP open, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed.
- Trial
- Experiences of long-term benzodiazepine use and addiction amid changes in guidelines for the prescription of narcotic drugs: a qualitative study.BMC public health · 2025Article
- Insomnia in seasonal affective disorder: considering the use of benzodiazepines with a focus on lormetazepam.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2025Review
- Professionals' treatment goals for long-term benzodiazepine and Z-drugs management: a qualitative study.BJGP open · 2024Article
- Chronic Insomnia Disorder across Europe: Expert Opinion on Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Care.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023Review
- Long-term use of benzodiazepines in chronic insomnia: a European perspective.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2023Article
- The Characteristics of Benzodiazepine Prescribing in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2022Article
- Role of the prescriber in supporting patients to discontinue benzodiazepines: a qualitative study.The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners · 2021Article
- Observational
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundAlthough long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z drugs is associated with various side effects, they remain popular among the older population. Possible reasons for this phenomenon could be ineffective ways of transmitting information on the health risks associated with long-term use, and communication gaps between patients and healthcare professionals.
aimThe aim was to investigate the views of patients, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists regarding long-term BZD and Z drug use. DESIGN &
settingThe qualitative study design used focus group interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and nurses in Hamburg. Patient interviews were conducted in Lippstadt, Germany.
methodThe interviews were audiotaped with each participant's permission, transcribed, and thematically analysed using a software program for qualitative research (MAXQDA).
resultsThe data from the four focus groups consisting of 28 participants were analysed. Patients indicated lack of knowledge about risks and side effects, difficult access to alternatives, and fears of ceasing drug use without professional support. Although the physicians were reported to be cautious about prescribing BZDs and Z drugs, the psychosocial problems of older patients are often considered to be complex and treatment knowledge, experience, and resources are frequently unsatisfactory. Nurses described that when BZDs were prescribed, they did not feel it was their responsibility to evaluate their effects. Pharmacists were reported to be strongly ambivalent in informing patients about the risks, which may contradict the prescription advice provided by the physician.
conclusionPatients, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists reported differences in the perception of long-term BZD and Z drug use. Nevertheless, all of the participants described lack of information and expressed the need for greater communication exchange.
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