Development and validation of a training course on proton pump inhibitor deprescription for general practitioners in a rural continuing medical education program: a pilot study

Despite being cornerstone medications for managing gastrointestinal disorders, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have raised concerns due to inappropriate prescribing and overutilization, their potential side effects, and interactions with other medications. General practitioners (GPs) provide long-term patient follow-up and are targets to promote PPI deprescribing to reach the widest possible population. GPs practicing in rural settings encounter unique challenges as their numbers dwindle and their workload increases. Hence, targeted educational interventions are crucial to promote appropriate prescribing practices in such underserved areas. We developed a continuing medical education (CME) program focused on PPI deprescribing for GPs in rural settings. The program comprised of an interactive training session featuring clinical cases, an open discussion, and distribution of educational materials. We assessed the program's effectiveness using a two-level Kirkpatrick model, evaluating participant satisfaction and knowledge levels through pre- and post-course questionnaires. Thirty-three GPs participated, with 61.9% working in semi-rural and 38.1% in rural areas (21 responded to the 1st questionnaire, 14 to the 2nd ). Median medical experience was 6 years, with 61.9% serving as internship supervisors. Despite 95.2% acknowledging PPI overprescription, none had previously participated in dedicated PPI CME programs. The open discussion session provided valuable insights into various topics related to PPI use and gastrointestinal health. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program (average rating of 9.1/10) and 92.9% reported changes in practice, including increased awareness of inappropriate PPI prescriptions. Indeed, 92.9% of GPs identified inappropriate PPI use following the course. 57.1% of participants utilized the provided educational materials. The main practice changes observed included an increased reassessment rate of PPI indications (71.4% at each renewal after vs. 19% before, 28.6% non-systematically after vs. 66.8% before, 0% rarely after vs. 14.3% before; p = 0.006), the necessity for more than one consultation to deprescribe (64.3% after vs. 23.8% before; p = 0.021), systematic utilization of gradual cessation of PPI (100% vs. 61.9%; p = 0.039) and more frequent use of additional medication (92.9% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.022), primarily antiacids (92.3%). Our study underscores the effectiveness of targeted CME programs in promoting appropriate p