Uptake of best practice recommendations in the management of patients with diabetes and periodontitis: a cross-sectional survey of dental clinicians

Bissett, Susan, Presseau, Justin, Rapley, Timothy and Preshaw, Philip (2019) Uptake of best practice recommendations in the management of patients with diabetes and periodontitis: a cross-sectional survey of dental clinicians. British Dental Journal, 226 (2). pp. 131-137. ISSN 0007-0610

Text (Full text) Bissett et al - patients with diabetes and periodontitis AAM.docx - Accepted Version Download (72kB)

Abstract

Introduction
Published guidance documents describe best practice recommendations for management of patients with diabetes and periodontitis. However, little is known about their uptake by dental professionals.

Aims
To explore current practice and behavioural correlates for three behaviours in the management of patients with diabetes and periodontitis: 'informing' patients about the links; 'considering' the impact of periodontitis treatment on glycaemic control; and 'contacting' the patient's doctor.

Methods
Participants (N = 328) recruited via two UK professional dental societies completed online questionnaires assessing their 'informing', 'considering' and 'contacting' activities, utilising constructs from behavioural and implementation theories (social cognitive theory and normalisation process theory).

Results
There was good reported uptake of 'informing' and 'considering', with clinicians performing these behaviours in more than eight of their last ten patients. However, there was poor uptake of 'contacting'. Periodontal specialists had significantly higher scores for 'contacting' (3.44±4.16 of last ten patients) than dental hygienist/therapists (0.57±1.37, p <0.001), who mainly relied on dentists to contact the doctor. Respondents indicated negative experiences of 'contacting', preferring to communicate via the patient than contact the doctor directly.

Conclusion
Contacting the doctor can be problematic and dental clinicians generally chose not to do this, indicating a mismatch between this best practice recommendation and preferences of dental clinicians.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads