Greek physicians' and dentists' compliance with the British society for antimicrobial chemotherapy (BSAC) guidelines for preventing bacterial endocarditis.

Two thousand questionnaires inquiring about applied prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis were sent to practicing doctors in Greece. Two hundred and ninety-nine questionnaires were completed and returned (15% response rate) and were subsequently divided into two groups: Group A (163) consisting of responses from dentists, chest physicians and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and group B (136) including responses from gastroenterologists, gynecologists, urologists and radiologists. The percentage of correct answers given in response by clinicians in Groups A and B to the main questions and in accordance with the 1992 guidelines of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) were respectively: (a) 53% vs 35% asked patients their previous history pertaining to valve disease, rheumatic fever or prosthetic valve surgery; (b) 55% vs 33% administered prophylaxis to patients with relevant history prior to medical procedures; (c) 67% vs 0% of prescribing doctors administered the appropriate antibacterials; (d) 33% vs 31% initiated prophylaxis in proper timing prior to medical procedure; (e) 14% vs 13% administered antibiotics in correct time/route/duration of infusion where applicable, prior to medical procedure; (f) 7% of group A doctors administering recommended antibiotics, implemented prophylaxis with correct time/route/dosage while, although none of group B doctors administered recommended antibiotics, 7% implemented prophylaxis with correct time/route recommendations; (g) an overall 2% of doctors from both groups met the BSAC recommendations. In conclusion, it is imperative that the appropriate training of doctors in all subspecialties regarding prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis and according to current recommendations be carried out.