Communicating new policy on antibiotic prophylaxis with patients: a randomised controlled trial

Objectives This trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of two different communication tools on the levels of anxiety and concern when a change in patients' treatment was introduced. Method Patients previously advised to have antibiotic prophylaxis before their dental treatments were randomised to receive information about the new policy either through a video accompanied by a written leaflet or just the leaflet. All patients completed a questionnaire to assess anxiety and concern as well as intentions regarding accepting dental treatment without antibiotic prophylaxis at enrolment point, after intervention and after meeting the cardiologist. Results Ninety questionnaires were analysed (45 in each group). The mean level of anxiety and concern scores were significantly reduced after the intervention point (p < 0.05). The ANOVA model revealed a significant reduction in the levels of anxiety and concern during the trial (p < 0.001). However, the main effect of group (intervention versus control) and the interaction term were not significant. At the end of trial there was no difference in the number of patients accepting dental treatment without cover in the two groups. Conclusion Patients appear more likely to accept a change if it is communicated directly to them by their practitioners via face to face consultation compared with video or leaflet. When there is a lack of time for in-depth consultation, video could be a more effective method than leaflet alone.