engleski

Self-confidence of final-year dental students in managing patients on antithrombotic therapy

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess whether Croatian final-year dental students experience discomfort in relation to treating patients who use oral antithrombotic drugs and if it would influence their decision to provide care independently after graduation. Methods: Students from three universities were invited to participate by filling in an online questionnaire regarding, among other, experience in managing patients on antithrombotic therapy, self-assessed knowledge of antithrombotic drugs, and readiness to provide care to these patients independently. Results: All respondents had been in contact with patients taking antithrombotics. Despite lower self-assessed knowledge of latest drugs among antiplatelet agents and novel oral anticoagulants, students expressed high degree of willingness to provide care independently without fear or in spite of it. Thereby all students considered consultations with patient physician important in all or in some cases. Lower level of stress was associated with better knowledge of medical indications for antithrombotic therapy, greater self-confidence in performing specified dental procedures, and with better knowledge of other factors that can be related to the risk of prolonged bleeding after dental procedure. Conclusion: The participants of this study mostly feel confident to manage patients on antithrombotic therapy whether it provokes anxiety or not.

dental students ; oral anticoagulants ; platelet aggregation inhibitors

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