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Talla PK, Kamalabadi YM, Durand R, Michaud PL, Emami E. Applying an extended theoretical approach to identifying Canadian dental students' acceptance of teledentistry: A cross-sectional study. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241258472. [PMID: 39351315 PMCID: PMC11440558 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241258472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Teledentistry is a promising innovation for improving service quality and patient outcomes. While studies have shown the relevance of theoretical frameworks in understanding behaviour change predictors for telehealth implementation efforts, their application in dentistry is limited. This study aimed to test different theoretical approaches to identify the factors affecting dental students' behavioural intention to use teledentistry. Methods This cross-sectional study involved students in their final two years of undergraduate dental programmes, from three Canadian provinces (Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan) using an electronic self-reported questionnaire. Following descriptive analyses, we tested three theoretical models (the technology acceptance model, psychosocial model, and integrated model) using path analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. We analyzed the modifying effect of sociodemographic characteristics and prior use of teledentistry. Results Out of the 46 students who participated, the majority were female (53.5%) and aged over 25 years (62.8%). The three models successfully explained a substantial portion of the variance in behavioural intention to use teledentistry, ranging from 58.0% to 76.6%. Social role beliefs (p < 0.001) and control beliefs (p < 0.001) were the most significant predictors of behavioural intention to use. Prior use of teledentistry modified the association between control beliefs and behavioural intention to use teledentistry. Conclusions The original technology acceptance model was a good predictive model of behavioural intention to use teledentistry with perceived use as the strongest predictor. However, the integrated model performed the best in highlighting the relevance of training and education to foster teledentistry implementation in dental schools. The generalizability of the findings is constrained by the modest sample size, warranting larger studies for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascaline K Talla
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yasaman M Kamalabadi
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert Durand
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Michaud
- Department of Dental Clinical Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Elham Emami
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Abdul NS, Kumari M, Shenoy M, Shivakumar GC, Herford AS, Cicciù M, Minervini G. Telemedicine in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. J Oral Rehabil 2023; 50:1340-1347. [PMID: 37349872 DOI: 10.1111/joor.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine (T-Med) has always been an important tool in the arsenal of clinicians worldwide. This technique has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it difficult for some people to access traditional dental care. The current review aimed to analyse the usage of telemedicine in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and its impact on general health. METHODS An extensive search of databases was conducted using keywords such as, "telemedicine," "teledentistry," "TMJ" and "temporomandibular disorders," resulting in a total of 482 papers to be available from which eligible studies were selected. The Risk of Bias in Observational Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool was used to evaluate methodological quality of included studies. RESULTS Two studies were selected which fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All assessed studies indicated varying degrees of positive outcomes for patients who were intervened for TMDs using T-Med. CONCLUSION T-Med shows promising results for the diagnosis and management of TMDs, especially since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. Long-term clinical trials with larger samples are needed to further ascertain validity in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishath Sayed Abdul
- Department of OMFS and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Oral Pathology, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Minti Kumari
- Public Health Dentistry, Patna Dental College and Hospital, Patna, India
| | - Mahesh Shenoy
- Department of OMFS and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Oral Pathology, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ganiga Channaiah Shivakumar
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Peoples College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Peoples University, Bhopal, India
| | - Alan Scott Herford
- Maxillofacial Department, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Marco Cicciù
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Minervini
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Al Ghanem EJ, AlGhanem NA, AlFaraj ZS, AlShayib LY, AlGhanem DA, AlQudaihi WS, AlGhanem SZ. Patient Satisfaction With Dental Services. Cureus 2023; 15:e49223. [PMID: 38143666 PMCID: PMC10739550 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient satisfaction is an integral aspect of healthcare quality assessment, and it plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare services. This systematic review investigates patient satisfaction with dental services provided by public dental hospitals in rural and remote areas of Saudi Arabia. The study conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards. It involved a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and CINAHL, with tailored search strategies for each database using MeSH terms and keywords. To ensure inclusivity, the search covered publications in both English and Arabic and included Google Scholar for gray literature. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical studies conducted in rural and remote public hospitals in Saudi Arabia, published between 2013 and January 2023, assessing patient satisfaction in oral or dental care for adult patients. Data screening and extraction followed a rigorous two-step process, and a narrative synthesis was used to analyze and summarize the findings. The findings reveal a complex landscape of patient satisfaction in these settings, with varying levels of contentment reported. While more than 50% of patients expressed satisfaction with the quality of dental care, significant challenges related to accessibility were evident. Patients residing in remote and rural areas often had to travel long distances to access dental clinics, resulting in dissatisfaction. Demographic factors, particularly education and age, were identified as significant influencers of patient satisfaction, with more educated individuals tending to be less satisfied. This study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of patient satisfaction to enhance service delivery, particularly in public dental clinics serving remote and rural areas. Addressing issues related to access, availability, clinical quality, and effective communication is vital for improving patient satisfaction in these healthcare settings. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, including the development of quality assurance policies, cost mitigation strategies, and targeted interventions to address demographic disparities and enhance patient satisfaction with dental care services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sara Z AlGhanem
- Dentistry, Al Nasserah Primary Healthcare Center, Qatif, SAU
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4
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El Tantawi M, Lam WYH, Giraudeau N, Virtanen JI, Matanhire C, Chifamba T, Sabbah W, Gomaa N, Al-Maweri SA, Uribe SE, Mohebbi SZ, Hasmun N, Guan G, Polonowita A, Khan SB, Pisano M, Ellakany P, Baraka MM, Ali AA, Orellana Centeno JE, Pavlic V, Folayan MO. Teledentistry from research to practice: a tale of nineteen countries. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2023; 4:1188557. [PMID: 37397348 PMCID: PMC10311964 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2023.1188557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated teledentistry research with great interest reflected in the increasing number of publications. In many countries, teledentistry programs were established although not much is known about the extent of incorporating teledentistry into practice and healthcare systems. This study aimed to report on policies and strategies related to teledentistry practice as well as barriers and facilitators for this implementation in 19 countries. Methods Data were presented per country about information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, income level, policies for health information system (HIS), eHealth and telemedicine. Researchers were selected based on their previous publications in teledentistry and were invited to report on the situation in their respective countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Hong Kong SAR, Iran, Italy, Libya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe. Results Ten (52.6%) countries were high income, 11 (57.9%) had eHealth policies, 7 (36.8%) had HIS policies and 5 (26.3%) had telehealth policies. Six (31.6%) countries had policies or strategies for teledentistry and no teledentistry programs were reported in two countries. Teledentistry programs were incorporated into the healthcare systems at national (n = 5), intermediate (provincial) (n = 4) and local (n = 8) levels. These programs were established in three countries, piloted in 5 countries and informal in 9 countries. Conclusion Despite the growth in teledentistry research during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of teledentistry in daily clinical practice is still limited in most countries. Few countries have instituted teledentistry programs at national level. Laws, funding schemes and training are needed to support the incorporation of teledentistry into healthcare systems to institutionalize the practice of teledentistry. Mapping teledentistry practices in other countries and extending services to under-covered populations increases the benefit of teledentistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha El Tantawi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Walter Yu Hang Lam
- Prosthodontics, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Jorma I. Virtanen
- Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Cleopatra Matanhire
- Department of Oral Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Timothy Chifamba
- Department of Oral Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wael Sabbah
- Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Noha Gomaa
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sadeq Ali Al-Maweri
- Department of Pre-Clinical Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sergio E. Uribe
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- School of Dentistry, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence, Headquarters at Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Simin Z. Mohebbi
- Research Center for Caries Prevention, Dentistry Research Institute, and Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noren Hasmun
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Guangzhao Guan
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ajith Polonowita
- Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sadika Begum Khan
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Massimo Pisano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Passent Ellakany
- Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa Mohamed Baraka
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | | | - Verica Pavlic
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Emami E, Harnagea H, Shrivastava R, Ahmadi M, Giraudeau N. Patient satisfaction with e-oral health care in rural and remote settings: a systematic review. Syst Rev 2022; 11:234. [PMID: 36309732 PMCID: PMC9617039 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-02103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the past decade e-oral health technology has been used to address the oral health care challenges in rural and remote settings. This review systematically evaluated the literature on patient satisfaction with e-oral health care in rural and remote communities. METHODS The systematic review included interventional and observational studies published between 1946 and 2021, in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Global Health. Patient satisfaction with received oral health care using self-reported measures, at any time after the intervention, was the main outcome of the review. The other primary outcomes were undesirable consequences of the health care (e-health or conventional) such as diagnostic error. The secondary outcomes considered were waiting time, number of visits, travel, and the cost of oral health care. Two independent researchers assessed the risk of bias using the ROBINS-I risk of bias assessment tool for non-randomized studies. RESULTS Among 898 studies, 16 studies were included in the review. In most studies reporting patient satisfaction, all patients had shown willingness for teleconsultation for a dental problem and they were mostly satisfied due to saved travel time, saved working days, and prompt treatment onset. Most of the studies acknowledged teledentistry as a cost-effective and cost-saving method. Moreover, the teledentistry consultations showed diagnostic reliability and validity values comparable to conventional dental consultations. The majority of studies were considered level 4 and 3b, due to limited sample populations, analysis based on limited alternatives or costs, non-consistent sensitivity analysis, failure to appropriately control known confounders, and/or failure to carry out an appropriate follow-up of patients. CONCLUSION Available evidence indicates that e-oral health is associated with higher patient satisfaction and has been found to be an effective and reliable method for patients in rural and remote areas. Therefore, in these areas, the use of e-oral health should be encouraged. However, methodological inconsistencies in the current evidence suggest the need for long-term cohort studies and clinical trials, as well as cost analysis on e-oral health in rural settings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42016039942.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Emami
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, 2001 McGill College, suite 500, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Hermina Harnagea
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, 2001 McGill College, suite 500, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Richa Shrivastava
- Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Present Address: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Motahareh Ahmadi
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, 2001 McGill College, suite 500, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Giraudeau
- UMR 5112, CEPEL, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Comparison of CBCT Prescriptions among Different Campuses of East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. Int J Dent 2022; 2022:2754174. [PMID: 36148045 PMCID: PMC9489375 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2754174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (ECU SoDM) has established a unique education model that delivers the dental curriculum through student rotations at community service learning centers (CSLCs) in underserved areas across North Carolina in their senior year. The objective of the study is to analyze the patient composition and CBCT prescription patterns at the main campus (Ross Hall) and eight CSLCs, to determine if students have comparable training at various sites. Methods CBCTs taken at ECU SoDM in 2017–2021 were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test were used to determine any differences in demographics, Medicaid coverage, and scan indications at various sites. Results A total of 1444 patients were included, with an age range of 4–90 years old; male 685, female 758; 1130 non-Hispanic/Latino, 71 Hispanic/Latino. For races, Caucasian 1106, African-American 156, American Indian/Alaskan Native 32, Asian 18, mixed 13, other 73. For Medicaid, there are 75 with and 1369 without coverage. Ross Hall has the largest amount of patients at 537, followed by Davidson 218, Brunswick 189, and Lillington 169, with Elizabeth City being the least with 45 patients. The top four reasons for taking CBCTs were implants, endodontics, oral pathology, and 3rd molar assessment. There was no significant difference in the indications for CBCTs or Medicaid coverage, among various sites. Conclusions The demographics, Medicaid coverage and CBCT prescription patterns were comparable among various sites. There was a site-related difference in the amount of scans taken, warranting the necessity to monitor CSLC rotation selections to ensure a consistent learning experience.
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Soegyanto AI, Wimardhani YS, Maharani DA, Tennant M. Indonesian Dentists' Perception of the Use of Teledentistry. Int Dent J 2022; 72:674-681. [PMID: 35568528 PMCID: PMC9485514 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Teledentistry is the use of information and communication technology to provide dental services from distant locations. The use of teledentistry is highly beneficial in the COVID-19 pandemic era. Objective This study aimed to explore Indonesian dentists’ perceptions of the use of teledentistry in their daily practice and the benefits for patients. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study comprising an electronic survey of Indonesian dentists. We used a cross-cultural, adapted questionnaire that consisted of 26 items and 5-point Likert scale questions that evaluated dentist perception in the following 4 domains: usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice, usefulness of teledentistry to improve practices, usefulness of teledentistry for patients, and dentists who had concerns about the use of teledentistry. Results A total of 652 dentists from 34 provinces in Indonesia participated in this study. The majority of respondents agreed about the usefulness of teledentistry in dental practice, especially for saving time, compared to referral letters (87%). Most respondents recognised the utility of teledentistry for improving dental practice and its benefits for patients. Nevertheless, most of the dentists had concerns about teledentistry in terms of digital forgery concern (74.2%) and technical incompatibility (71.8%). Conclusions Indonesian dentists reported their positive perception of the usefulness of teledentistry for improving dental practice and benefits for patients, although some concerns were still present. Further studies on the application of teledentistry in Indonesia are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diah Ayu Maharani
- Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marc Tennant
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Agnew JMR, Hanratty CE, McVeigh JG, Nugent C, Kerr DP. An investigation into the use of mHealth in musculoskeletal physiotherapy: Scoping Review (Preprint). JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2021; 9:e33609. [PMID: 35275089 PMCID: PMC8956993 DOI: 10.2196/33609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal physiotherapy provides conservative management for a range of conditions. Currently, there is a lack of engagement with exercise programs because of the lack of supervision and low self-efficacy. The use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions could be a possible solution to this problem, helping promote self-management at home. However, there is little evidence for musculoskeletal physiotherapy on the most effective forms of mHealth. Objective The aim of this review is to investigate the literature focusing on the use of mHealth in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and summarize the evidence. Methods A scoping review of 6 peer-reviewed databases was conducted in March 2021. No date limits were applied, and only articles written in the English language were selected. A reviewer screened all the articles, followed by 2 additional researchers screening a random sample before data extraction. Results Of the 1393 studies, 28 (2.01%) were identified. Intervention characteristics comprised stretching and strengthening exercises, primarily for degenerative joint pain and spinal conditions (5/28, 18%). The most reported use of mHealth included telephone and videoconferencing calls to provide a home exercise program or being used as an adjunct to physiotherapy musculoskeletal assessment (14/28, 50%). Although patient satisfaction with mHealth was reported to be high, reasons for disengagement included a lack of high-quality information and poor internet speeds. Barriers to clinical uptake included insufficient training with the intervention and a lack of time to become familiar. Conclusions mHealth has some benefits regarding treatment adherence and can potentially be as effective as normal physiotherapy care while being more cost-effective. The current use of mHealth is most effective when ongoing feedback from a health care professional is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon M R Agnew
- Discipline in Physiotherapy, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine E Hanratty
- Discipline in Physiotherapy, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph G McVeigh
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Therapies, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Chris Nugent
- Discipline in Computing, School of Computing, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel P Kerr
- Discipline in Physiotherapy, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
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Jagde AK, Shrivastava R, Feine J, Emami E. Patients' E-Readiness to use E-Health technologies for oral health. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253922. [PMID: 34252096 PMCID: PMC8274877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Scientific evidence highlights the importance of E-Readiness in the adoption and implementation of E-Oral Health technologies. However, to our knowledge, there is no study investigating the perspective of patients in this regard. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore patients’ E-Readiness in the field of dentistry. Materials and methods A qualitative study was conducted using interpretive descriptive methodology. Purposeful sampling with maximum variation and snowball techniques were used to recruit the study participants via McGill University dental clinics and affiliated hospitals, as well as private or public dental care organizations. A total of 15 face-to-face, semi-structured and 60 to 90-minute audio recorded interviews were conducted. Data collection and analyses were performed concurrently, and interviews were continued until saturation was reached. Activity theory was used as the conceptual framework, and thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Data analysis was conducted both manually and with the use of “ATLAS-ti” software. Results Four major themes emerged from the study; unlocking barriers, E-Oral Health awareness, inquisitiveness for E-Oral Health technology and enduring oral health benefits. These themes correspond with all three types of readiness (core, engagement and structural). Conclusion The study results suggest that dental patients consider E-Oral Health as a facilitator to access to care, and they are ready to learn and use E-Oral Health technology. There is a need to implement and support E-Oral Health technologies to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elham Emami
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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10
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Alhozgi A, Feine JS, Tanwir F, Shrivastava R, Galarneau C, Emami E. Rural-urban disparities in patient satisfaction with oral health care: a provincial survey. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:261. [PMID: 33992110 PMCID: PMC8122552 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01613-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying spatial variation in patient satisfaction is essential to improve the quality of care. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate rural–urban disparities in patient satisfaction and to determine the factors that could influence satisfaction with oral health care. Methods Data from 1788 parents/caregivers of children who participated in the Quebec Ministry of Health clinical study were subject to secondary analysis. The Perneger model of patient satisfaction was used as the conceptual framework for the study. Satisfaction with oral health care was measured using the WHO-sponsored International Collaborative Study of Oral Health Outcomes (ICS-II). Explanatory variables included predisposing factors and enabling resources. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, as well as bivariate and linear regression models. Results Individuals with higher income, dental insurance coverage, having a family dentist, reporting ease in finding a dentist, and having access to a private dental clinic were more satisfied with oral health care (p < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences between rural and urban Quebec residents in their ratings of patient satisfaction on four items, including dental office location (p = 0.013), dental equipment (p = 0.016), cost of dental treatment (p < 0.001), and cleanliness of dental office (p = 0.004), with greater satisfaction for urban dwellers. The multiple linear regression model showed that major determinants of patient satisfaction were being born in Canada, income ≥ 40,000$ CAD, having a family dentist, and having visited the dentist in the last year for regular checkups. However, ethnicity, having difficulty finding a dentist, and being in need of dental treatment negatively influenced patient satisfaction with oral health care. Conclusions These findings suggest that Quebec rural–urban disparity exists in patient satisfaction with care and that determinants of health influence this outcome. Intensive and powerful knowledge dissemination activities are needed to mobilize policymakers in implementing public health strategies to reduce this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalgader Alhozgi
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 2001 Avenue McGill College #500, Montreal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Jocelyne S Feine
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 2001 Avenue McGill College #500, Montreal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Farzeen Tanwir
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 2001 Avenue McGill College #500, Montreal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Richa Shrivastava
- Sri Aurobindo College of Dentistry, Sanwer Road, Indore, India.,Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Chantal Galarneau
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 190 Boul Crémazie E, Montreal, QC, H2P 1E2, Canada
| | - Elham Emami
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 2001 Avenue McGill College #500, Montreal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada.
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Purohit A, Smith J, Hibble A. Does telemedicine reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare? A systematic review. Future Healthc J 2021; 8:e85-e91. [PMID: 33791483 DOI: 10.7861/fhj.2020-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the rapidly progressing field of telemedicine, there is a multitude of evidence assessing the effectiveness and financial costs of telemedicine projects; however, there is very little assessing the environmental impact despite the increasing threat of the climate emergency. This report provides a systematic review of the evidence on the carbon footprint of telemedicine. The identified papers unanimously report that telemedicine does reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare, primarily by reduction in transport-associated emissions. The carbon footprint savings range between 0.70-372 kg CO2e per consultation. However, these values are highly context specific. The carbon emissions produced from the use of the telemedicine systems themselves were found to be very low in comparison to emissions saved from travel reductions. This could have wide implications in reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare services globally. In order for telemedicine services to be successfully implemented, further research is necessary to determine context-specific considerations and potential rebound effects.
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Bavaresco CS, Hauser L, Haddad AE, Harzheim E. Impact of teleconsultations on the conduct of oral health teams in the Telehealth Brazil Networks Programme. Braz Oral Res 2020; 34:e011. [PMID: 32130361 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2020.vol34.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Telehealth has been applied in the Unified Health System (SUS) as a tool for qualifying professionals and improving the healthcare provided to the population served by the system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of teleconsultations on the qualifications of the clinical approach of the oral health teams involved in primary health care (PHC) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul under the Telehealth Brazil Networks Programme. The sample population of the study was composed of 285 dentists and 132 oral health assistants belonging to the Family Health Teams. A chi-square test was used to investigate possible associations between the absolute number of teleconsultations performed and several independent variables, namely, gender, age, dental specialty, time since graduation, time working in the Family Health Strategy (FHS), employment status, type of training institution, familiarity with information technology, and work satisfaction at the health facility. The level of significance was p < 0.05. Use of the oral health teleconsultation service led to a reduction of more than 45% in the number of referrals to other levels of care. However, no significant association was found between the number of teleconsultations and the independent variables analysed. The use of teleconsultations proved to be a powerful tool for professional training, for increasing the effectiveness of PHC, and for improving the oral healthcare provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caren Serra Bavaresco
- Universidade Luterana do Brasil - Ubra, DDS, Graduate Program in Dentistry , Canoas , RS , Brazil
| | | | - Ana Estela Haddad
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, School of Dentistry , Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Erno Harzheim
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFGRS, School of Medicine , Graduate Program in Epidemiology , Porto Alegre , RS , Brazil
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