User satisfaction with public and private dental services for different age groups in Brazil

Patient Satisfaction with the Quality of Oral Rehabilitation Dental Services: A Comparison between the Public and Private Health System

Measuring satisfaction can help us understand patients' expectations and adopt individualized treatment according to their expectations. In the current study, we applied the DPQ (Dental Practice Questionnaire) to analyze the degree of patient satisfaction regarding medical services in the public and private sector in a Romanian city from the central region. A group of 200 patients, 100 patients from the public sector and 100 patients from the private sector, participated in the survey. The results showed significant differences in response when patients were stratified by age, gender, visit frequency and length of time attending the same practice. Significant differences between public and private practices were encountered. Moreover, the degree of patient satisfaction was found to be related to appointment promptness/length of time and the confidentiality/ability to listen/knowledge/respect shown by the dentist, while patients' recommendations to others were influenced by dentists' explanations and warmth, followed by the appointment system and confidentiality. Patient satisfaction with oral rehabilitation dental services plays an essential role in maintaining patients' addressability, but there is a multitude of factors that can influence patients' opinions. Further analysis of the evolution of the influencing factors (causing satisfaction or dissatisfaction), in time, could provide deeper insights into the links between patient satisfaction and these factors.

A systematic review of population and patient perspectives and experiences as measured in Latin American and Caribbean surveys

High-quality health systems must provide accessible, people-centred care to both improve health and maintain population trust in health services. Furthermore, accurate measurement of population perspectives is vital to hold health systems accountable and to inform improvement efforts. To describe the current state of such measures in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), we conducted a systematic review of facility and population-based assessments that included patient-reported experience and satisfaction measures. Five databases were searched for publications on quantitative surveys assessing healthcare quality in Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking LAC countries, focusing on the domains of processes of care and quality impacts. We included articles published since 2011 with a national sampling frame or inclusion of multiple subnational regions. We tabulated and described these articles, identifying, classifying and summarizing the items used to assess healthcare quality into the domains mentioned earlier. Of the 5584 publications reviewed, 58 articles met our inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional (95%), assessed all levels of healthcare (57%) and were secondary analyses of existing surveys (86%). The articles yielded 33 unique surveys spanning 12 LAC countries; only eight of them are regularly administered surveys. The most common quality domains assessed were satisfaction (in 33 out of 58 articles, 57%), evidence-based/effective care (34%), waiting times (33%), clear communication (33%) and ease of use (31%). Items and reported ratings varied widely among instruments used, time points and geographical settings. Assessment of patient-reported quality measures through population- and facility-based surveys is present but heterogeneous in LAC countries. Satisfaction was measured frequently, although its use in accountability or informing quality improvement is limited. Measurement of healthcare quality in LAC needs to be more systematic, regular, comprehensive and to be led collaboratively by researchers, governments and policymakers to enable comparison of results across countries and to effectively inform policy implementation.

Pathways of socioeconomic inequalities in self-perceived oral health

Although there is a large body of evidence of the influence of social determinants on oral health, information on the mechanisms by which these determinants operate is poorly documented. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the pathways through which socioeconomic inequalities may influence self-perceived oral health (SPOH) in Brazilian adults. This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health Survey (NHS) of 2019, with a representative sample of adults aged 18 to 59 years (n = 65,803). The outcome was SPOH, assessed by a global self-item. Structural equation modeling was used to test direct and indirect pathways connecting a latent variable for socioeconomic position (SEP) to SPOH via psychosocial, behavioral, and biological factors. Higher SEP was directly associated with better SPOH [standardized coefficient (SC) = 0.069; p < 0.01)] fewer depressive symptoms (SC = -0.059; p < 0.01), fewer missing teeth (SC = 0.131; p < 0.01), and more healthy behaviors (SC = 0.643; p < 0.01). Fewer depressive symptoms (SC = -0.141; p < 0.01), more healthy behaviors (SC = 0.242; p < 0.01), and fewer missing teeth (SC = 0.058; p < 0.01) were directly associated with good SPOH. Among specific indirect effects of SEP on SPOH, the behavioral pathway was the one that best explained this association (SC = 0.155). Socioeconomic inequities in SPOH are mediate by psychosocial, behavioral, and biological factors. This has implications for positioning health strategies in the social context in which people live, to facilitate healthy choices and promote good oral health.

User satisfaction with Dental Specialty Centers in Brazil: Proposal of satisfaction index and associated factors

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the satisfaction of users of Dental Specialty Centers (CEO) in Brazil employing the Service Satisfaction Index (SSI) and identify associated factors.

METHODS

This quantitative, evaluative, and cross-sectional study used secondary data extracted from the Second External Evaluation of the Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Brazilian Dental Specialty Centers (PMAQ-CEO) held in 2018 in 901 municipalities, accounting for 1097 CEO, of which 1042 were investigated. A total of 10391 users participated in the study. Considering user satisfaction as an aggregate variable, SSI was classified into two categories: Lower Satisfaction (SSI < 20) and Maximum Satisfaction (SSI = 20). Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS^® software. The exploratory factor analysis verified the statistical correlations between attributes and SSI.

RESULTS

The maximum satisfaction with the service was 21.1%; factors that expressed the most significant influence on SSI were waiting time (OR = 1.17; CI 95%: 1.05-1.31), feeling that CEO has good conditions of use (OR = 7.05; CI 95%: 5.15-9.65), not wishing to be assisted at another CEO (OR = 4.17; CI 95%: 3.12-5.57), not having treatment interrupted due to lack of material (OR = 2.05; CI 95%: 1.70-2.47), age up to 40 years of users (OR = 1.31; CI 95%: 1.18-1.46) and higher education (OR = 1.30; CI 95%: 1.14-1.49).

CONCLUSIONS

SSI appropriately described the user's satisfaction with the service. The maximum satisfaction with the service was influenced by age, education, waiting time, not having treatment interrupted, and considering CEO clean and hygienic environment.

User satisfaction with the secondary dental care services: Is there an association between structure and work process?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between user satisfaction in relation to secondary dental care services and the structure and process of Brazilian Dental Specialty Centers (CEO, in Portuguese).

METHODS

This study used nationwide secondary data from two CEO evaluation cycles. Ten users from each CEO answered questions on the self-perception of healthcare quality and satisfaction with health services. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify subgroups of satisfied and dissatisfied users (outcome). The CEO structure included equipment, supplies, instruments, ambience and type of CEO (type I, II or III, according to the number of dental chairs and dental professionals). The work process referred to the planning/monitoring of actions, collaborative care, characteristics of the demand for medical care /the organization of scheduling, and continuing education for employees. Covariables concerned user profiles. A multilevel logistic regression model was used (p-value <.05).

RESULTS

Seven thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven users in 794 CEOs, together with 10056 users in 911 CEOs, participated in the 1st and 2nd evaluation cycles, and satisfied users corresponded to 85.3% and 87.1%, respectively. In both cycles, the CEO's structural characteristics explained most of the variance in satisfaction. CEOs with more favourable structural characteristics showed higher satisfaction. Users from CEOs, type II and III, and those who received dental care where there was an interruption of services due to a lack of equipment or instruments reported a lower level of satisfaction. CEOs that organize their demand through referrals received from primary care dentists who have participated in continuing education actions for dental professionals presented a higher frequency of satisfied users.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of the process and structure were associated with user satisfaction, but a quality of care was perceived by users, mainly due to structural characteristics.

Family structure, sociodemographic factors and type of dental service associated with oral health literacy in the early adolescence

The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between oral health literacy and family, sociodemographic and dental service characteristics in early adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 740 schoolchildren. The following variables were investigated using validated questionnaires: oral health literary (BREALD-30), sociodemographic characteristics, type of dental service and family functioning (FACES III). Associations were tested using robust Poisson regression analysis (α=5%). Higher oral health literacy was associated with the female sex (RR=1.09; 95%CI: 1.03-1.14), connected type of family cohesion (RR=1.12; 95%CI: 1.05-1.20), rigid (RR=1.14; 95%CI: 1.04-1.25) and structured (RR=1.11; 95%CI: 1.04-1.20) types of family adaptability, more than eight years of mother's schooling (RR=1.16; 95%CI: 1.10-1.22), age of caregiver more than 38 years (RR=1.07; 95%CI: 1.02-1.13) and the use of private dental services (RR=1.06; 95%CI: 1.01-1.12). The level of oral health literacy in early adolescents was associated with sex, family structure, mother's schooling, caregiver's age and type of dental service used.

[Contextual and individual factors associated with dissatisfaction with dental care in Brazil]

The scope of this study was to evaluate the influence of contextual and individual factors associated with dissatisfaction of users of the Unified Health System (SUS) with the care provided by dentists in Primary Health Care. It is a cross-sectional and multilevel study, based on secondary data derived from a national basic research project to assess user satisfaction with the SUS. Data were collected by the Ombudsman's Department of the SUS by telephone contact with a sample of 35,393 individuals from around the country. Contextual and individual variables were associated with dissatisfaction with the dental service provided by the SUS. For the analysis, Stata version 11.0 software was used together with multilevel random effects logistic regression. A total of 2,331 individuals from 61 municipalities were included in the final sample of satisfaction with the dental service. Only 43% of the participants reported that their claims had been resolved, and a seven times greater chance of dissatisfaction was perceived for those individuals who had unresolved demand in relation to those who resolved it. This research provides input that can subsidize the government in actions aimed at improving access and quality of care provided in dental care.

Patient-centered assessments: how can they be used in dental clinical trials?

Recently, there has been greater interest in adopting a more holistic approach to healthcare. However, this trend should not limit itself merely to the notion that a human being lies behind the mouth being treated. Rather, it should embrace the understanding that this human can actively participate in and contribute to the treatment process. Patient Report Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient Report Experience Measures (PREMs) provide means for measuring data from the patient's perspective, and enable health-related feelings and functions to be evaluated. Accordingly, this critical review aims to provide definitions, rationales and applications of patient-centered approaches in dental clinical research. Some patient-centered constructs are especially relevant to dental clinical trials, such as oral health-related quality of life, pain/discomfort, aesthetics and satisfaction concerning treatment and services. The selection and application of patient-reported measures can vary according to condition (generic, disease-specific or treatment-specific) and to the specific population evaluated (age and cognitive impairment). These measures can help weigh risks and benefits, as well as assess the cost effectiveness of treatments, thus influencing treatment recommendations and health policies. The incorporation of these measures into a professional's daily life not only represents an improvement in professional performance, but also addresses a humanitarian concern.

Socioeconomic status and family functioning influence oral health literacy among adolescents

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate socio-demographic, family and behavioral factors associated with oral health literacy (OHL) in adolescents.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study conducted with adolescents aged 15 to 19 years in Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire addressing socio-demographic data. The adolescents answered validated instruments on family cohesion and adaptability (family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale), drug use (alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test), type of dental service used for last appointment and OHL (Brazilian version of the Rapid Estimate of Oral Health Literacy in Dentistry). Two dentists were trained to evaluate OHL (K = 0.87-0.88). Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by Poisson regression analysis (α = 5%). A directed acyclic graph was used to select independent variables in the study.

RESULTS

The following variables remained associated with better OHL: high mother's schooling level (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 1.03-1.12), high income (RR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.01-1.09), white ethnicity/skin color (RR = 1.05; 95%CI: 1.01-1.10), married parents (RR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.01-1.09), "enmeshed" family cohesion (RR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.12-1.30), "structured" (RR = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.01-1.12) or "rigid" (RR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.04-1.19) family adaptability, having more than five residents in the home (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 1.01-1.14) and having used a private dental service during the last appointment (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.03-1.13).

CONCLUSION

Family functioning and socio-demographic factors influence the level of oral health literacy among adolescents.

A national study on the use of opioid analgesics in dentistry

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of opioid analgesics prescribed by Brazilian dentists, potential regional differences and their association with socioeconomic and health-related factors. Data for all opioid prescriptions by dentists was obtained from the 2012 database of the National Controlled Substances Management System, regulated by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. The number of defined daily doses (DDD) and DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day for each Brazilian state were calculated as the primary outcomes. DDDs were compared by regions and Brazilian states. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the influence of the states' characteristics, such as the Human Development Index; poverty; education; number of dentists per 100,000 inhabitants; visit to the dentist; dental care plan; good or very good oral health; number of pharmaceutical establishments per 100,000/inhabitants; and ability to get all prescribed medications. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. A total of 141,161 prescriptions for opioids analgesics by 36,929 dentists were recorded, corresponding to 658,855 doses of opioids dispensed in 2012. The most commonly dispensed opioids were codeine associated with paracetamol (83.2%; n = 117,493). The national DDDs per 1,000 inhabitants per day was 0.0093 (range: 0.0002-0.0216). DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day was positively associated to visits to dentists (rs = 0.630; P < 0.001) and inversely associated to poverty (rs = -0.624; p = 0.001). There are significant differences in opioid prescriptions in dentistry among the Brazilian states. These differences may be associated with non-clinical factors.

User satisfaction with public oral health services in the Brazilian Unified Health System

Background

User satisfaction represents a patient-centered measure that should be used to assess the quality of oral health services. This study investigated the differences in user satisfaction with public oral health services according to the sociodemographic user profile and the quality of oral health services in primary health care in Brazil.

Methods

Secondary data from a national program obtained through interviews with users were analyzed. Satisfaction was based on the Swan’ model relating to perceptions regarding the service performance, assessment of overall satisfaction and the intention to avoid the service in the future. The exploratory variables were demographic characteristics of the users and the quality of the primary service from the user’s viewpoint, considering the dimensions: access; receptivity of spontaneous demand; integral health care; bonding, accountability, and coordination of care.

Results

A total of 37,262 users participated, and 65.51% reported satisfaction with the oral health service, that was higher among those > 20 years old and beneficiaries of the Family Grant Program and lower among users with a higher level of schooling and those who reported being employed. Users who rated oral health service positively were more satisfied.

Conclusions

Socioeconomically disadvantaged user was more satisfied with oral health services and the satisfaction increased with age. The improvement in the quality of oral health services in primary care can result in greater satisfaction.