Experience of transitional dental care for young people with trauma

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Exploring young people's experiences of transitional dental care following traumatic dental injuries.

  • IRAS ID

    239747

  • Contact name

    Reem Ali Algahmi

  • Contact email

    ralgahmi@liverpool.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    The University of Liverpool

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 8 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    Research Summary
    Dental trauma is a common occurrence in childhood, with one in ten children have sustained a traumatic dental injury (TDI).The dental treatment and management of patients with complex TDIs is frequently ongoing into adulthood and therefore the transition of this care is an essential process in the lives of these young people. However, at present, there is very limited evidence on current practice, nor any clear guidelines or policies within dentistry for transitioning these adolescents from paediatric into specialist adult care. This study aims to investigate the views and experiences of young people, who have suffered from Traumatic Dental Injuries, with respect to the transition from paediatric to adult dental care.
    The study will be conducted in the form of semi-structured interviews with young people who underwent specialists treatment for dental trauma as children
    Patients will be recruited from the Royal Liverpool University Dental Hospital. Interested patients who fit the inclusion criteria will be introduced to the main investigator. Information leaflets will be provided to both participants. If agreed to take part then consent is signed. Patients have the right to withdraw from the study at any time for no given reasons.The age for participants was set to be 16 years and above based on the premise that 16 years is the age at which patients are discharged from paediatric care at the Liverpool University Dental Hospital.

    Summary of Results
    The nature of complex traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) often means that management continues through paediatric to adult dental services. There is limited evidence regarding patients’ experiences of transitional care pathways in dentistry.
    Young people identified 5 main areas regarding their transitional care experiences: patient-clinician communication, impact of dental trauma, feelings of uncertainty, patient personal development and transitional care planning.

    Young people identified the importance of involvement of young people within transitional care planning. Clear communication and involvement of young people in decision-making was identified as a vital factor to facilitate a successful transitional care experience. Feelings of uncertainty with regards to the long-term prognosis of traumatised teeth was highlighted. Consideration should be given to development of guidance to allow for the provision of timely and consistent information regarding the transitional care process.

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    18/NI/0243

  • Date of REC Opinion

    22 Jan 2019

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion