Care Pathways in Adult Dento-Alveolar Trauma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Care Pathways in Adult Dento-Alveolar Trauma: Adult Patients' Experience of Dento-Alveolar Trauma
IRAS ID
272863
Contact name
Fadi Jarad
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Research questions: What are adult patients’ experiences of dento-alveolar trauma and of the management of their injury?
Can an exploration of patients’ experiences contribute to the development of a care pathway for the management of adult dento-alveolar trauma?Dento-alveolar trauma is a common occurrence which can have significant social, psychological and financial impact on the patient. It can also give rise to sequelae which can result in further intervention being necessary. Adverse outcomes can potentially be reduced if prompt and correct management is undertaken at the outset. However, general dental practitioners do not feel confident in the management of complex dento-alveolar trauma as they have infrequent exposure to it. Therefore there needs to be a clear pathway for patients to obtain treatment for their injuries either with general dentists or specialist treatment.
Adult patients over the age of 18 years who have sustained dento-alveolar trauma will be invited to participate in semi structured one to one interviews to explore their experience of the trauma and its management. The interviews will be conducted at Liverpool University Dental Hospital or over video conference due to Covid19. Each interview is expected to last approximately 30-45 minutes and a maximum of 20 people will be interviewed. An video and/or audio recording of the interviews will be made which will then be transcribed. The transcripts will be analysed to identify potential themes regarding adult dento-alveolar trauma.
The data will be analysed using a recognised qualitative research methodology called thematic analysis. This involves looking for common themes that might arise in the data collected.
Once the data is analysed it be written up as part of a thesis for a doctorate degree.
Summary of Results
When participants sustain dental trauma the commonly experience pain, there may be some confusion and they might not always be fully aware of the extent of their injuries initially. There may be a delay in receiving treatment so ad hoc intervention may be necessary. The participants may go to an accident and emergency department first to receive care. They may come to receive care at Liverpool University Dental Hospital after being referred by their general dental practitioner or they may have been told about the dental hospital whilst seeking care in a medical hospital.
Overall participants were satisfied with the care received at Liverpool University Dental Hospital. The participants understood they had complex treatment needs which is why they were seen at the dental hospital.
Sustaining dental trauma impacted participants socially as they were concerned about eating and smiling in public. Some participants felt the injury was a financial burden due to the costs involved, for example travel costs. Other participants felt that treatment was provided for free on the National Health Service so it was not a financial burden. Many participants stopped playing sports for a period of time after their dental trauma, with some stopping completely. Participants noted treatment time was lengthy and the Covid19 pandemic resulted in more delays in treatment. Time was required off from work either as a result of the injury or to receive treatment. Many participants had flexible working patterns that were accommodating with the time off required to attend appointments.
Some participants are more confident in receiving dental care after their dental trauma as they have become accustomed to the dental environment, however, some more apprehensive. Participants are concerned about sustaining further injuries to their teeth in the future.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
20/WA/0260
Date of REC Opinion
23 Oct 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion