The impact of integration of dental services on oral health in long-term care: qualitative analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To qualitatively analyse how integration of dental service in long-term care (LTC) impacts residents and their oral health.


BACKGROUND
Few studies have attempted to merge inductive and deductive data to clarify the significance of the complex psychosocial environment in LTC facilities. Understanding the subjective oral health experience of LTC residents in their social setting is key to uncovering behavioural patterns that may be limiting the oral care provided to LTC residents.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed involving 61 residents in three Ontario LTC facilities. Observations and reflective notes were recorded during open-ended interviews using a structured questionnaire to stimulate conversation topics. This ensured that each resident received the same prompting during the interview process. Inductive analysis was used to identify common patterns and themes within field notes and transcriptions.


RESULTS
The major themes identified included oral hygiene, oral discomfort, general health, appearance, dental access, and denture related issues. Oral hygiene and discomfort were the dominating categories within the facilities.


CONCLUSIONS
Two of the three LTC centres identified in this study failed to provide appropriate oral care for their residents. Future research needs to be directed at prospective studies assessing the effect of oral health education and mandatory dental examinations o entry within LTC centres utilising qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Gary I
GI
Finkleman
Herenia P
HP
Lawrence
Michael
M
Glogauer
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D003729:Dental Care; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D003815:Dentists; D003778:Dentures; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006304:Health Status; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009864:Ontario; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010146:Pain / Q000145:classification; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000379:methods; D000078329:Workforce