Generating National Dental PBRN Research Ideas Through the ToP Consensus Method Workshop

Development of a Mobile Application to Enhance Knowledge, Awareness and Communication of Dry Mouth Amongst Dental Practitioners and Patients: A South Texas Oral Health Network Study

BACKGROUND

Dry mouth, also commonly known as "xerostomia", is a prominent symptom that is often overlooked by dental practitioners and patients. The purpose of this study was to pilot the development of a mobile application for assessing dry mouth symptoms. The application will allow patients to self-assess and enhance knowledge, awareness and communication with dental practitioners in their management of dry mouth.

METHOD

The first phase of the study was to draw on common knowledge and awareness by conducting two focus groups of dental professionals and community members on content, practicality, functionality, design, and effectiveness. The second phase of the study was the development of the dry mouth mobile application followed by the third phase of the study that consisted of face-validity interviews to obtain feedback on the application.

RESULTS

Fifty two percent (n=15) of the dental professionals estimated being aware of the prevalence of dry mouth in 40% or more of their patients. Thirty Nine percent of (n=9) community estimated being aware of the prevalence of dry mouth in 40% or more of the community. When asked about their awareness of the etiologies of dry mouth, 100% (n=29) of dental professionals reported that multiple medications and smoking were primary factors whereas the community members indicated that illness and dehydration (87%, n=20) were primary factors in dry mouth. Dental professional's (25% n=7) were very confident in recognizing symptoms and 28% (n=8) were very confident they knew how to manage dry mouth symptoms. Furthermore, 22% (n=5) of the community members were also very confident about recognizing dry mouth symptoms and 13% (n=3) were very confident knowing how managing it. The ToP report generated from the discussions identified "themes" that were utilized in the development of the mobile application. Most individuals who participated in the validity interviews agreed that the dry mouth mobile application was useful, appealing, easy to use and the self-assessment test gave clear and concise information. The application was made available to download from the iTunes Appstore (2019-2020).

CONCLUSION

The dry mouth pilot study indicated that the mobile application was beneficial for self-assessment and easy to use. Development of advanced technology tools such as the dry mouth application can promote communication between patients and their dental practitioners to discuss management options for dry mouth.

Practice-based research agenda priorities selected by patients: findings from a dental practice-based research network

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify (i) which practice-based research agendas had the highest priority among patients and (ii) whether priorities varied significantly with patient age and gender.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 482 patients from 11 outpatient dental practices. The patients were shown 31 items concerning practice-based research questions and asked to select the three items in which they were most interested. We generated a rank order of the 31 items. Subsequently, the 31 items were categorised into 10 groups, and we performed subgroup analyses according to age and gender using chi-square tests.

RESULTS

"Age-specific care to maintain oral health (n = 86)" was rated as the most interesting research question. When data were analysed according to age, patients less than 40 years old rated "Orthodontic treatment", "Esthetic dental care" and "Topical fluoride application" as interesting questions significantly more frequently than did patients 40 years old or older (P < 0.01)?, while patients 40 years old or older rated "Regular dental check-ups", "Dental implant", "Diet and food" and "Social health insurance" as more interesting than did patients less than 40 years old (P < 0.05). When data were analysed according to gender, female patients rated the questions on aesthetic dental care as more interesting than did male patients (P < 0.01), whereas male patients rated questions on toothbrushing as more interesting than did female patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients assessed "Age-specific care to maintain oral health" as the highest priority among a broad range of research topics. This study also quantified patient priorities for research agendas according to age and gender group. Designing future research with these priorities in mind will promote patient-centred evidence.

The Evolving Collaborative Relationship between Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) and Clinical and Translational Science Awardees (CTSAs)

Purpose

Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) and Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) have complementary missions. We replicated a 2008 survey of CTSA-PBRN leaders to understand how organizational relationships have evolved.

Methods

We surveyed 60 CTSA community engagement (CE) Directors and 135 PBRN Directors and analyzed data using between and within-group comparisons.

Results

In total, 43% of CTSA CE Directors (26/60) and 42% of PBRN Directors (57/135) responded. Quantitative responses revealed growing alignment between CTSA/PBRN perceptions, with a few areas of discordance. CE Directors noted declining financial support for PBRNs. PBRN Directors identified greater CTSA effectiveness in PBRN engagement, consultation, and collaborative grant submissions. Qualitative data revealed divergent experiences across CTSA/PBRN programs.

Conclusions

Relationships between CTSAs and PBRNs are maturing; for some that means strengthening and for others a growing vulnerability. Findings suggest a mutual opportunity for PBRNs and CTSAs around applied research. Studies to characterize exemplar CTSA-PBRN collaborations are needed.

Connecting and Collaborating: Developing National Dental PBRN Study Concepts Through POD Engagement

PURPOSE

This article illustrates the process by which the Southwest Region of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (www.NationalDentalPBRN.org) fosters collaboration among practitioners and researchers in study concept development through protocol development groups (PODs). The Southwest Region begins this process by engaging PODs, which comprise dentists, hygienists, and/or academic faculty who share research interests related to improving dental care.

METHOD

The PODs use the Tuckman four-stage model of group development (forming, storming, norming, and performing) to develop study concepts. This well-structured model encourages engagement among group members and enables quality discussion through organized sessions. This model provides milestones for the group's progression and for the members' interactions. The Southwest Region Directors play a crucial role in guiding and directing the development of PODs by aligning the members' research interests with the goals of the National Network.

RESULTS

POD engagement using Tuckman's stages has been successful in developing study concepts for submission to the National Network. Between 2012 and 2014, the Southwest Region has developed 14 PODs from 275 research ideas. Five of these study concepts have been submitted to the National Network for approval, including the Novel Tobacco Products POD, which showcases the applicability of Tuckman's model.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the POD concept is a collaborative effort that brings together practitioners and academicians through shared research interests and capitalizes on participants' expertise and experiences. The Southwest Region will continue to develop PODs to foster new ideas for future studies in the Network.