Anna Tynan1,2, Lisa Deeth3, Debra McKenzie4, Carolyn Bourke3, Shayne Stenhouse3, Jacinta Pitt5, Helen Linneman4. 1. Research Support Team, Baillie Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. 2. The Rural Clinical School, University of Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. 3. Telehealth Service, Baillie Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. 4. Toowomba Oral Health, Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. 5. Mt Lofty Heights Nursing Home, Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
PROBLEM: Residents of residential aged care facilities are at very high risk of developing complex oral diseases and dental problems. Key barriers exist in delivering oral health services to residential aged care facilities, particularly in regional and rural areas. DESIGN: A quality improvement study incorporating pre- and post chart audits and pre- and post consultation with key stakeholders, including staff and residents, expert opinion on cost estimates and field notes were used. SETTING: One regional and three rural residential aged care facilities situated in a non-metropolitan hospital and health service in Queensland. KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT: Number of appointments avoided at an oral health facility Feedback on program experience by staff and residents Compliance with oral health care plan implementation Observations of costs involved to deliver new service. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE: The model developed incorporated a visit by an oral health therapist for screening, education, simple intervention and referral for a teledentistry session if required. EFFECTS OF CHANGE: Results showed an improvement in implementation of oral health care plans and a minimisation of need for residents to attend an oral health care facility. Potential financial and social cost savings for residents and the facilities were also noted. LESSONS LEARNT: Screening via the oral health therapist and teledentistry appointment minimises the need for a visit to an oral health facility and subsequent disruption to residents in residential aged care facilities.
PROBLEM: Residents of residential aged care facilities are at very high risk of developing complex oral diseases and dental problems. Key barriers exist in delivering oral health services to residential aged care facilities, particularly in regional and rural areas. DESIGN: A quality improvement study incorporating pre- and post chart audits and pre- and post consultation with key stakeholders, including staff and residents, expert opinion on cost estimates and field notes were used. SETTING: One regional and three rural residential aged care facilities situated in a non-metropolitan hospital and health service in Queensland. KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT: Number of appointments avoided at an oral health facility Feedback on program experience by staff and residents Compliance with oral health care plan implementation Observations of costs involved to deliver new service. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE: The model developed incorporated a visit by an oral health therapist for screening, education, simple intervention and referral for a teledentistry session if required. EFFECTS OF CHANGE: Results showed an improvement in implementation of oral health care plans and a minimisation of need for residents to attend an oral health care facility. Potential financial and social cost savings for residents and the facilities were also noted. LESSONS LEARNT: Screening via the oral health therapist and teledentistry appointment minimises the need for a visit to an oral health facility and subsequent disruption to residents in residential aged care facilities.
Authors: Munder O Ben-Omran; Alicia A Livinski; Dorota T Kopycka-Kedzierawski; Shahdokht Boroumand; Demetres Williams; Darien J Weatherspoon; Timothy J Iafolla; Paul Fontelo; Bruce A Dye Journal: J Am Dent Assoc Date: 2021-09-11 Impact factor: 3.634
Authors: Luca Aquilanti; Andrea Santarelli; Marco Mascitti; Maurizio Procaccini; Giorgio Rappelli Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-04 Impact factor: 3.390