NICE guideline and current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis for high risk cardiac patients (HRCP) among dental trainers and trainees in the United Kingdom (UK).

OBJECTIVE

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) introduced the antibiotic prophylaxis guideline in 2008 for cardiac patients in the UK, which has led to a decrease in national prescription levels for antibiotic prophylaxis. Despite the introduction of the guideline there is still a discrepancy in levels of compliance among the dental community. The aims of this study were to determine the understanding of the NICE clinical guideline on antimicrobial prophylaxis against infective endocarditis (IE) and the difference in antibiotic prescription for high risk cardiac patients (HRCP) between dental trainers and trainees.

METHODS

A proforma was designed and distributed among dental trainers and trainees attending a conference at the London deanery. The trainers were GDPs responsible for training dental trainees allocated to them over a 12 month period based in a general dental practice. Dental trainees were recent graduates about to commence their vocational dental training. Eighty-five vocational dental trainees and 70 trainers completed the proforma on a voluntary basis.

RESULTS

The results of the study confirm that most trainers (95.7%) and trainees (94.1%) are aware of this guideline but only 62% of trainers and 69.7% of trainees have read the guideline. Compliancy with the guideline was low among trainers (55.7%) and trainees (77.6%). Compliance was high among those who had read the guideline. Trainers were more likely to prescribe prophylaxis antibiotics for HRCP. The majority (74-76%) would prescribe antibiotics on a specialist's request. Some trainers (54.9%) and trainees (48.2%) would want antibiotics themselves if they were HRCP.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that much needs to be done to improve the understanding and practice of NICE guideline among the dental trainers and trainees.