GPs’ views and experiences of prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed in primary care despite being a high-risk drug group causing significant adverse events, yet little is known about GPs’ perceptions of NSAID risks and benefits. AIM: To explore GPs’ experiences with NSAID prescribing and views about the risks and benefits of this group of medicines. DESIGN & SETTING: A qualitative, inductive study in general practice. METHOD: Individual interviews with 15 GPs using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed. An inductive, thematic approach was used for analysis. Sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. RESULTS: Three main themes illustrate GPs’ key concerns with managing NSAID risks. The first theme was perceptions of risks and benefits of NSAIDs: GPs expressed differing attitudes towards prescribing medication generally. GPs were aware of the general risks of NSAIDs but weighed these up against specific risk factors and potential benefits for particular patients. They were most concerned about long-term use, risks for children, older people, and patients with comorbidities. The second theme was assessing and mitigating risks when prescribing NSAIDs: GPs considered gastric, cardiac, and renal risks of patients as well as drug interactions. Mitigation strategies included alternative treatment, choice and dose of NSAID, and use of gastroprotective agents. The final theme was other factors impacting on NSAID risks: particularly patient expectations and over-the-counter (OTC) availability. CONCLUSION: NSAID prescribing is a complex balance between pragmatism and potential adverse events. Given the costs of morbidity, hospitalisation, and patient demand there is an urgent need to secure a more detailed evidence base and develop practical pathways to support safer prescribing.