Implementation and Acceptance of Oral Health Assessment Tools in Residential Aged Care: A Scoping Review
Tracks
Ballroom 3
Evidence based practice
Formal caregivers
Implementation
| Thursday, November 14, 2024 |
| 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM |
Speaker
Mrs Lyndal Pritchard
Clinical Associate Lecturer/phd Candidate
School of Dentistry, University Of Queensland
Implementation and Acceptance of Oral Health Assessment Tools in Residential Aged Care: A Scoping Review
Abstract
The WHO anticipates a significant rise in people aged 60 and above by 2050, presenting challenges such as healthcare demand, system strain, and the necessity for policies tackling age-related complexities. To overcome these challenges, there is a need for the application of implementation science to ensure that policies and procedures are successfully executed and adapted to the evolving needs of the aging population.
The aim of this scoping review is to assess how oral health assessment tools are implemented in RAC, identifying the key challenges and facilitators impacting their usage and acceptance by non-dental health professionals.
The JBI scoping review methodology and PICOS framework were used. A comprehensive search across databases and grey literature, free of publication date restrictions was conducted. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework guided data extraction and analysis.
Three domains of the PARIHS framework—evidence, context, and facilitation—analysed the use of evidence, the impact of the healthcare context, and effectiveness of facilitation strategies in the integration of oral health assessments. Findings indicate suboptimal integration of oral health assessment tools in RAC, inadequate training of non-dental professionals, alongside insufficient facilitation strategies to support long-term sustainability.
Despite acknowledged importance, the integration of oral health assessment tools is hindered by systemic limitations and facilitation deficits. Tailored interventions and educational programs must be context-specific, addressing environmental and operational challenges of RAC settings. The review highlights the necessity of applying implementation science theories and frameworks to ensure these interventions are not only adopted but also sustainably integrated.
The aim of this scoping review is to assess how oral health assessment tools are implemented in RAC, identifying the key challenges and facilitators impacting their usage and acceptance by non-dental health professionals.
The JBI scoping review methodology and PICOS framework were used. A comprehensive search across databases and grey literature, free of publication date restrictions was conducted. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework guided data extraction and analysis.
Three domains of the PARIHS framework—evidence, context, and facilitation—analysed the use of evidence, the impact of the healthcare context, and effectiveness of facilitation strategies in the integration of oral health assessments. Findings indicate suboptimal integration of oral health assessment tools in RAC, inadequate training of non-dental professionals, alongside insufficient facilitation strategies to support long-term sustainability.
Despite acknowledged importance, the integration of oral health assessment tools is hindered by systemic limitations and facilitation deficits. Tailored interventions and educational programs must be context-specific, addressing environmental and operational challenges of RAC settings. The review highlights the necessity of applying implementation science theories and frameworks to ensure these interventions are not only adopted but also sustainably integrated.
Biography
Lyndal is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Queensland, School of Dentistry and a PhD candidate. Health service research is a theme of Lyndal’s research, with ongoing collaborations with lead researchers in the field of public oral health.
Lyndal is an actively engaged member of several research groups at the University of Queensland, including the Public Health Research Committee. She has most recently joined the team of investigators working on the successful MRFF 2022 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care (APP2024439) project, titled "Oral Health in Aged Care: Addressing Oral Health Inequity and Unmet Dental Care Needs in Vulnerable Populations". As a clinician researcher, Lyndal's research pursuits are centred around advancing the field of translational health research, with a particular focus on bridging the gap between clinicians and research.
Lyndal has recently commenced her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Queensland, School of Dentistry. Her research is centred around implementation science with a focus on researching system readiness, outcomes and contextual factors when implementing evidence-based practices, programs or healthcare polices in aged cared for long-term sustainability. The findings from her research will provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and caregivers, facilitating the development of more effective and tailored oral health assessment for this vulnerable population.
Lyndal is an AHPRA registered Oral Health Therapist.
Session Chair
Amber Mills
Policy And Research Manager
AAG
