GIRFT and Measuring Outcomes in MCNs: endodontics in 646 teeth treated in Tier 2 (Primary Care) and Tier 3 (Secondary Care) settings in England.

Aim: This paper aims to assess the complexity, quality and outcome of endodontic treatment provided in Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs) in England to understand if we are "getting it right first time" (GIRFT).
Methods: In a convenient sample of endodontic treatments provided between May 2011 and April 2017, the complexity of teeth treated, the quality of treatment procedure, the radiographic appearance of root fillings, as well as clinical and radiographic healing were retrospectively assessed using records taken as part of treatment. Trained, calibrated examiners independently scored radiographs using previously published scoring systems.
Results: 646 teeth were followed up for 24.7 months (standard deviation [SD] 17.08). The average age of those patients treated was 46.7 years (SD 15.38) with 48.3% being male. Of teeth treated, 70.4% were of complexity level 3. 88.2% of teeth were asymptomatic, and 80% demonstrated complete radiographic healing. Procedural errors inhibited achieving correct working length and taper, with more voids within root canal fillings. When patency filing was reported as being carried out, complete radiographic healing was more likely.
Conclusions: It is possible to collate outcome data in the NHS system, especially if there is provision for ongoing follow up and time allocated for collection of data. Endodontic treatment provided within primary and secondary care settings are of high quality, with outcomes being better with single operators carrying out high volumes of endodontic treatment.
Competing Interests: Declaration of conflict of interestMost of the authors (S. Eliyas, K. Shah, N. Dhamecha, A. Yusuf, V. Jasani and T. Jayaram) were involved in treating some of the patients in the audit, however all data were anonymised and randomised to eliminate bias.S. Eliyas taught on the DES course in 2009–2011, described in this article.A. Yusuf, V. Jasani and T. Jayaram were delegates taught in the DES course in 2009–2011.The other authors have stated explicitly that there are no conflicts of interest in connection with this article.