Patient Record Maintenance Among Private Dental Practitioners in Bangalore City

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to obtain information on documentation of patient record maintenance among private dental practitioners in Bangalore city”. The objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding documentation and patient record maintenance among private dental practitioners in Bangalore city. Method: A self- administered questionnaire survey was conducted in August-September 2021 among Dentists engaged in active clinical practices in private clinics/hospitals in Bangalore city, India [ N=470]. Results: A response rate of 86.4% [n=411] was obtained.73% of them were aware of the documentation of patient records as per Laws, Ethics and Jurisprudence act of 1997. 53% of them documented patient records in their clinical practice and 64% mentioned that only they have access to patient records.13% mentioned that they include patient consent as a part of documentation. Although 73% of them said that they were aware of all the guidelines, a large proportion of respondents lack knowledge about the minimum time period for which patient records should be maintained in their possession. 21% of them felt that patient record keeping is not necessary and the most common problem cited for documentation of patient records was lack of time to give attention to the records. Conclusion: Dentists needs more information and should spare more time for documentation of patient records.