Lance T Vernon1,2,3, Kathryn A Teng4,5, David C Kaelber6,7, Gregory P Heintschel8,9, Suchitra Nelson10. 1. Veteran Affairs Quality Scholar's Program, Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. 2. The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA. 3. Mid-America Health, Columbus, OH, USA. 4. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. 5. Adult Health and Wellness Service line in The MetroHealth System Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA. 6. Pediatrics and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. 7. Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. 8. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. 9. Department of Dental Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA. 10. Community Dentistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Primary care providers were assessed regarding their training and interest to screen oral conditions in patients ≥55 years old. BACKGROUND: Oral health (OH) is an essential component of overall health and can affect systemic health. Medical/dental integration in older adults is underdeveloped. METHODS: A brief survey assessed primary care providers' self-reported skills, practices and barriers towards integrating OH screening into adult primary care. Data were collected using Survey Monkey® . Respondents were physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) working at a large mid-western safety-net hospital. Descriptive statistics, T-tests and Chi-squared tests were reported. RESULTS: Eighty-two of 202 participants (41%) completed the survey. Most respondents were female (75%). A majority were physicians (68%); the remainder APPs. All providers (100%) reported OH was important or extremely important to overall health. More physicians (93%) reported not being well-trained to address adult OH issues and perceived less medical-oral health integration in their practice (16%) compared to APPs (P < .05). Time was more of a barrier with APPs (74%), compared to physicians (51%), to integrate OH screening activities (P < .05). Most providers reported other barriers such as inadequate OH training and insurance coverage. Providers endorsed that OH should be assessed frequently (56%) including providing referrals to dentists (77%) and educating patients on oral-systemic issues (63%). More female than male providers endorsed dental referrals and educating patients (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Primary care providers embraced greater medical/dental integration for older adults. Instituting OH activities appears to be supported. Future interventions that are feasible in primary care settings are examined.
OBJECTIVE: Primary care providers were assessed regarding their training and interest to screen oral conditions in patients ≥55 years old. BACKGROUND: Oral health (OH) is an essential component of overall health and can affect systemic health. Medical/dental integration in older adults is underdeveloped. METHODS: A brief survey assessed primary care providers' self-reported skills, practices and barriers towards integrating OH screening into adult primary care. Data were collected using Survey Monkey® . Respondents were physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) working at a large mid-western safety-net hospital. Descriptive statistics, T-tests and Chi-squared tests were reported. RESULTS: Eighty-two of 202 participants (41%) completed the survey. Most respondents were female (75%). A majority were physicians (68%); the remainder APPs. All providers (100%) reported OH was important or extremely important to overall health. More physicians (93%) reported not being well-trained to address adult OH issues and perceived less medical-oral health integration in their practice (16%) compared to APPs (P < .05). Time was more of a barrier with APPs (74%), compared to physicians (51%), to integrate OH screening activities (P < .05). Most providers reported other barriers such as inadequate OH training and insurance coverage. Providers endorsed that OH should be assessed frequently (56%) including providing referrals to dentists (77%) and educating patients on oral-systemic issues (63%). More female than male providers endorsed dental referrals and educating patients (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Primary care providers embraced greater medical/dental integration for older adults. Instituting OH activities appears to be supported. Future interventions that are feasible in primary care settings are examined.
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