Suchergebnisse

AbstractIntroductionOral health therapists (OHTs) are a valuable resource for increasing access to dental care for the frail elderly in nursing homes (NHs). However, OHTs face several barriers and their skill‐set continues to be under‐utilized.AimsTo evaluate the perceptions of OHTs regarding the barriers towards oral care provision for the elderly residents in NHs.MethodologySemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 OHTs to discuss the factors that may hinder them from providing oral health services in NHs. An inductive thematic analysis directed by the grounded theory approach was performed.ResultsFour major themes emerged: (i) lack of opportunity, (ii) lack of adequate education and training, (iii) limited work scope and registration status, and (iv) lack of adequate financial remuneration and adequate equipment. OHTs also raised the lack of awareness among OHTs and the various stakeholders, of how the skill‐set of OHTs may be relevant for oral care provision in NHs.ConclusionFindings revealed underlying educational and regulatory barriers which need to be addressed in tandem. Addressing these barriers can be impactful in informing future strategies for the greater utilization of the skill‐set of OHTs in Singapore.

AbstractAimsIntellectual and developmental disabilities are heterogeneous in aetiology and presentation, and one cannot make assumptions about the oral health barriers of those with Rett syndrome (RTT) based on findings from generic studies. This study investigated caregivers' perceptions regarding access to dental care for those with (RTT), and associations of dental treatments received by those with RTT with their caregivers' perceived value of oral health and perception of their own as well as their daughter's dental anxiety.Methods and resultsRetrospective observational data of a subset of individuals with confirmed MECP2 mutations in the InterRett database (n = 216) were used to explore caregiver‐related factors and their relationships with longitudinal data on dental service utilisation, using negative binomial regression. The main reported barriers to dental care access for individuals with RTT were primarily dentist‐related in nature, regardless of dental service history. Those with reported dental nonattendance were of older age. Increasing levels of caregiver‐reported dental fear were associated with less frequent dental check‐ups or for any appointments for affected individuals.ConclusionsDentist‐related barriers and caregiver‐reported anxiety may both adversely affect dental attendance for those with RTT. Future research should explore caregivers' beliefs and oral health literacy.

AbstractIntroductionOral health therapists (OHTs) have the potential to increase the access to oral care for elderly residents in nursing homes (NHs).AimsTo evaluate the perceptions of NH staff and OHTs regarding the barriers and enablers toward oral care provision for elderly NH residents, and their perceptions toward interprofessional collaboration through the utilization of OHTs in NHs.MethodologyElectronic surveys were completed by 231 direct care and 15 managerial staff from 15 NHs, and 103 OHTs. Factors influencing oral care provision, and aspects of awareness, capabilities, and willingness/interest toward collaboration were evaluated.ResultsThe OHTs and NH staff reported mutually positive responses toward interprofessional collaboration. The most frequently reported barriers by the NH staff were the lack of regular support from dental health professionals and inadequate knowledge and skills. The OHTs expressed willingness and competence in assisting the NH staff, but lacked regulatory and educational support.ConclusionOHTs have the potential to address the barriers faced by the NH staff, if adequately supported through policy and education. Oral health promotion in intermediate and long‐term care sectors should take into account this potential for interprofessional collaboration through greater utilization of the skill‐set of OHTs.