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Integrated approach to oral health in aged care facilities using oral health practitioners and teledentistry in rural Queensland
Author(s) -
Tynan Anna,
Deeth Lisa,
McKenzie Debra,
Bourke Carolyn,
Stenhouse Shayne,
Pitt Jacinta,
Linneman Helen
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12410
Subject(s) - medicine , referral , oral health , audit , nursing , health care , metropolitan area , family medicine , health facility , medical emergency , environmental health , health services , business , population , pathology , accounting , economics , economic growth
Problem Residents of residential aged care facilities are at very high risk of developing complex oral diseases and dental problems. Key barriers exist in delivering oral health services to residential aged care facilities, particularly in regional and rural areas. Design A quality improvement study incorporating pre‐ and post chart audits and pre‐ and post consultation with key stakeholders, including staff and residents, expert opinion on cost estimates and field notes were used. Setting One regional and three rural residential aged care facilities situated in a non‐metropolitan hospital and health service in Queensland. Key measures for improvement Number of appointments avoided at an oral health facility Feedback on program experience by staff and residents Compliance with oral health care plan implementation Observations of costs involved to deliver new service.Strategies for change The model developed incorporated a visit by an oral health therapist for screening, education, simple intervention and referral for a teledentistry session if required. Effects of change Results showed an improvement in implementation of oral health care plans and a minimisation of need for residents to attend an oral health care facility. Potential financial and social cost savings for residents and the facilities were also noted. Lessons learnt Screening via the oral health therapist and teledentistry appointment minimises the need for a visit to an oral health facility and subsequent disruption to residents in residential aged care facilities.