Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2013
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
14
Issue:
2

NICE guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis: An audit of patients understanding of the guidelines, and the implications for dental practitioners

Doi: 10.4483/JDOH_020McKenna12

Abstract In March 2008 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published a review into antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent bacterial infective endocarditis (IE) stating that AP was no longer required in the UK. This was met with some controversy, particularly amongst cardiologists, but relatively little is documented on patients’ perspective, many of whom have a long history of taking AP for the prevention of infective endocarditis (IE). Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this audit was to assess patients’ attitudes and understanding about the change in guidelines, and how this, in turn might influence how dentists treat these patients. Methodology: This questionnaire based audit was carried out in the School of Clinical Dentistry, Belfast. Data were collected over a 6 month period in 2011. 42 questionnaires were audited. Results: 59% of patients were concerned about the change in guidelines and 22% wanted clarification from their cardiologist. Nearly a third of patients were allergic to an antibiotic. 53% of patients were not aware of the signs and symptoms of IE, and 14% were not sure. Conclusions: It is important that we do not, and do not let patients, become complacent about the level of risk of IE. Our audit suggests patients are not aware of the signs and symptoms of IE and need to be made aware of these. Patients feel concerned about the cessation of AP, and should be counselled on the benefits and risks of antibiotics with a thorough explanation of why AP is no longer recommended.

Key words: Antibiotic prophylaxis, infective endocarditis, audit, NICE

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
61
Page End
72
Authors
Kathryn McKenna, Brian H Mullally

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  1. Editorial - Education in Special Care Dentistry- too exclusive?
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  1. Guidance on the core content of an Undergraduate Curriculum in Special Care Dentistry
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  1. Evaluation of a pilot programme for increasing dental clinicians’ knowledge and confidence in treating children and adolescents with disabilities
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  1. Investigation into the cancer and radiation history of a cohort of patients with osteoradionecrosis following dental extractions in irradiated areas
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  1. NICE guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis: An audit of patients understanding of the guidelines, and the implications for dental practitioners
  2. 61
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  1. The impact of congenital alkaline phosphatase deficiency on oral health condition: a literature review
  2. 73
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  1. Diary Dates
  2. 86
  3. 86

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