U.K. hemophilia treaters' knowledge of risk assessment for prolonged bleeding associated with dental procedures.

Abstract

Optimal delivery of dental care for adults with congenital bleeding disorders (CBD) requires close collaboration between hemophilia treaters and dentists. To explore U.K. hemophilia treaters' knowledge of dental procedures and associated hemostatic management in adults with CBD. Staff (N=180) from N=60 hemophilia facilities in the United Kingdom were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based study using a web-based tool. The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge, adherence and appropriateness of application of U.K. guidance on hemostatic management of common dental procedures. The response rate was 23% of treaters (n=41) from 62% (n=32) hemophilia facilities. Individual participants (87%; n=34) reported they adhered to guidelines, though knowledge of guidance was poor with only 36% (n=15) applying guidance appropriately in 3 common dental scenarios. There was a tendency for participants to assign the use of systemic hemostatic measures independent of the agreed bleeding risk associated with the proposed dental procedure. While hemophilia treaters were aware of current guidelines, their knowledge of the guidelines and ability to risk assess dental procedures was poor. There was a tendency to overprescribe systemic hemostatic measures for dental procedures. Education initiatives to aid decision making are needed.