Recommendations for prevention of bacterial endocarditis: compliance by dental general practitioners.
Telephone interviews were conducted with a national sample of general practice dentists (n = 460). Clinical vignettes were used to test clinicians' knowledge of, and compliance with, the 1984 American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for prevention of bacterial endocarditis. Analyses of the data document a relatively low level of knowledge of correct indications and regimens for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent endocarditis. Respondents were unsure, and often incorrect, about the relationship between a variety of cardiac conditions and potential risk for endocarditis. Compliance with the guidelines for proper dosage and timing of antibiotics was also problematic. Those clinicians who had a better understanding of patient risk factors and the principles underlying the AHA recommendations were more likely to follow them, as were practitioners who kept a copy of the recommendations in the office. The findings are significant in view of previous suggestions that use of inappropriate antibiotic regimens may predispose to adverse outcomes.
Sadowsky
D
D
Department of Dentistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461.
Kunzel
C
C
D000571:American Dental Association; D000572:American Heart Association; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011292:Premedication; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents