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Development and Evaluation of a Web‐Based Training Program for Oral Health Care Providers on Secondary Prevention of Eating Disorders
Author(s) -
DeBate Rita D.,
Severson Herbert,
Zwald Marissa L.,
Shaw Tracy,
Christiansen Steve,
Koerber Anne,
Tomar Scott,
Brown Kelli McCormack,
Tedesco Lisa A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2009.73.6.tb04751.x
Subject(s) - referral , medicine , intervention (counseling) , oral hygiene , multidisciplinary approach , family medicine , oral health , secondary prevention , nursing , dentistry , social science , sociology
Although oral health care providers (OHP) are key in the secondary prevention of eating disorders (ED), the majority are not engaged in assessment, referral, and case management. This innovative pilot project developed and evaluated a web‐based training program for dental and dental hygiene students and providers on the secondary prevention of ED. The intervention combined didactic and skill‐based objectives to train OHP on ED and its oral health effects, OHP roles, skills in identifying the oral signs of ED, communication, treatment, and referral. Using a convenience sample of OHP (n=66), a pre‐/post‐test evaluated short‐term outcomes and user satisfaction. Results revealed statistically significant improvements in self‐efficacy (p<.001); knowledge of oral manifestations from restrictive behaviors (p<.001) and purging behaviors (p<.001); knowledge of oral treatment options (p<.001); and attitudes towards the secondary prevention of ED (p<.001). Most participants strongly agreed or agreed that the program provided more information (89 percent) and resources (89 percent) about the secondary prevention of ED than were currently available; 91 percent strongly agreed or agreed that they would access this program for information regarding the secondary prevention of ED. This pilot project provides unique training in the clinical evaluation, patient approach, referral, and oral treatment that takes a multidisciplinary approach to address ED.