PROTON – PPI Review Of Treat On Demand

The PPI review to treat on demand (PROTON) program is an Active Learning Module (ALM) designed to assist GPs to actively manage gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) using a patient-centred focus that considers a symptomatic ‘treat-on-demand’ approach.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately 10-20% of the Australian population. Unfortunately a significant proportion of patients fail to seek medical treatment and continue to live with disabling symptoms.

Studies have confirmed that the condition is frequently underrecognised and misdiagnosed in the general practice setting. This leads to substantially reduced quality of life for GORD sufferers and poses risks of serious complications in patents with alarm symptoms. This highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and best practice management of GORD in general practice.

The Proton program, developed by Adrenalin Startegics, provides information on proactively identifying patients with GORD and strategies to prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on a symptomatic (on-demand) basis. The program centres on a 2 hour case study oriented interactive workshop conducted by a dedicated facilitator.

Learning objectives

PROTON includes 6 hours of education that will assist GPs to:

• Evaluate the efficacy and safety of symptomatic (treat-on-demand) management of GORD with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• Efficiently diagnose and manage GORD in general practice
• Address patients’ needs in determining therapies
• Optimize patient outcomes and satisfaction with GORD therapy
• Identify positive attributes of the ‘ideal’ treat-on-demand PPI
• Consider the emerging role of the treat-on-demand approach as indicated by recent international and Australian GORD guidelines

A step-by-step guide to PROTON

1. 4 weeks prior to the workshop
   Pre-activity questionnaire
   • Assessment of behaviour, attitudes, skills and knowledge in GORD
   • Submit to education provider no later than 2 weeks prior to workshop
2. 3 weeks prior to the workshop
   Study guide (including evaluation)
   • Clinical paper review and evaluation
   • Submit evaluation to education provider no later than 1 day prior to workshop
3. Complete the workshop
   Workshop
   • Interactive group work

   Evaluation form

   • Submit to coordinator at workshop end
4. 1 week after the workshop
   Patient assessment forms
   • Prospective assessment of GORD symptoms and treatment satisfaction in four patients
   • Submit completed forms to education provider no later than 2 weeks after receipt
5. 4 weeks after the workshop
   Patient assessment feedback report
   • Comparison of individual GP’s patient assessment results with results from national average

   Reflection form

   • Directed reflection on feedback report results
   • Submit to education provider no later than 2 weeks after receipt
6. 6 weeks after the workshop
   Post-activity questionnaire
   • Assessment of behaviour, attitudes, skills and knowledge in GORD
   • Submit to education provider no later than 2 weeks after receipt

GPs are required to earn 130 points for the 2005-07 triennium by undertaking two different Category 1 activities (minimum of 60 Category 1 points).

To qualify for 30 Category 1 ALM points under the RACGP’s QA&CPD Program, GPs must complete all of the elements of the PROTON program listed above.

Under new determination by the RACGP, GPs who fail to complete all requirements of a Category 1 activity will only receive CPD points if they submit a personal application to the education provider and/or the RACGP.

Click here to view a brochure about PROTON.

For more information or to register for the program click here.

References:

1. PROTON – PPI Review of Treat on Demand, Facilitators Guide, Adrenalin Strategics 2007.
2. PROTON – Patient Assessment Guide, Adrenalin Strategics 2007.