Experience of primary dental care teams in managing the oral health of oncology patients

TY - JOUR

T1 - Experience of primary dental care teams in managing the oral health of oncology patients

AU - Wemyss, Callum

AU - Abdulsalam, Ahmed

AU - Beaton, Laura

AU - Perry, Kirsten

AU - Scott, Claire

AU - Stirling, Douglas

AU - West, Michele

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2024.

PY - 2024/12

Y1 - 2024/12

N2 - Background: Estimates suggest that one in two people will experience cancer in their lifetime. Cancer and the treatment of cancer can have several impacts on oral health. It is therefore important that dental teams are supported in managing this group of patients especially in primary care dental settings, where most of these patients will first present to dental services. The aim of this study was to explore current practice and beliefs about managing patients with, or who have had, cancer in primary dental care settings. Methods: Online focus groups consisting of dental professionals working in primary care dental settings in Scotland, were conducted. Areas explored included cancer types seen, perceived role, challenges, and areas where further support was desired. Data from focus group transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four focus groups were conducted with a total of fifteen participants. Themes identified related to the types of cancers seen in primary care dental settings; communication between dental and medical teams; patient experience; mixed healthcare messages; patient engagement with their healthcare; challenges in treatment planning; apprehension about what can safety managed in primary care; and wider system factors influencing the management of patients with, or who have had, cancer. Areas where support exists but further support is desired were also identified. Conclusions: Challenges appear to exist in the provision of oral healthcare for patients with, or who have had, cancer. This study has indicated several areas where further support could be targeted. The results should be validated by further research.

AB - Background: Estimates suggest that one in two people will experience cancer in their lifetime. Cancer and the treatment of cancer can have several impacts on oral health. It is therefore important that dental teams are supported in managing this group of patients especially in primary care dental settings, where most of these patients will first present to dental services. The aim of this study was to explore current practice and beliefs about managing patients with, or who have had, cancer in primary dental care settings. Methods: Online focus groups consisting of dental professionals working in primary care dental settings in Scotland, were conducted. Areas explored included cancer types seen, perceived role, challenges, and areas where further support was desired. Data from focus group transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four focus groups were conducted with a total of fifteen participants. Themes identified related to the types of cancers seen in primary care dental settings; communication between dental and medical teams; patient experience; mixed healthcare messages; patient engagement with their healthcare; challenges in treatment planning; apprehension about what can safety managed in primary care; and wider system factors influencing the management of patients with, or who have had, cancer. Areas where support exists but further support is desired were also identified. Conclusions: Challenges appear to exist in the provision of oral healthcare for patients with, or who have had, cancer. This study has indicated several areas where further support could be targeted. The results should be validated by further research.

KW - Cancer

KW - Oncology

KW - Oral health

KW - Primary care dentistry

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85213324306

U2 - 10.1186/s12903-024-05203-8

DO - 10.1186/s12903-024-05203-8

M3 - Article

C2 - 39725940

AN - SCOPUS:85213324306

SN - 1472-6831

VL - 24

JO - BMC Oral Health

JF - BMC Oral Health

M1 - 1554

ER -