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Perceived oral health interventions by medical providers in Gugulethu, South Africa

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  • R Frederick Lambert
  • Amy Yu
  • Catherine Orrell
  • Jessica E Haberer

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore factors that impact patients’ ability to access high quality, expeditious oral health care by understanding medical professionals’ knowledge of oral health, the care they provide to patients presenting with oral health complaints, and their perceptions of potential interventions to improve oral health care delivery. Methods: We conducted in depth qualitative interviews, which were analyzed using an inductive content analytical approach. The study was conducted in Gugulethu, a community located outside of Cape Town, South Africa. Local public sector health services provided free-of-charge are the main source of primary health and dental care for this population. Participants included the following medical providers: doctors, clinical nurse practitioners, professional nurses, and health promoters. Results: Identified themes fell within the three broad subject areas: oral health knowledge, patient care, and potential interventions. Themes within oral health knowledge included (1) personal responsibility for hygiene, (2) routine oral health care, (3) lack of knowledge among medical professionals, (4) poverty, and (5) an oral-systemic connection. Participants cited both ‘clinical care knowledge’ and/or ‘uncertainty’ about patient care for oral health complaints. Participants independently suggested interventions in three broad areas: (1) education, (2) expanded provider roles, and (3) colocation of services. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a variety of interventions, ranging from high to low resource investment, may impact access to and utilization of oral health services and thereby result in improved patient care. Future studies should develop and evaluate the suggested interventions in a range of care settings.

Suggested Citation

  • R Frederick Lambert & Amy Yu & Catherine Orrell & Jessica E Haberer, 2020. "Perceived oral health interventions by medical providers in Gugulethu, South Africa," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(5), pages 1-13, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0233437
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233437
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Manski, R.J. & Hoffmann, D. & Rowthorn, V., 2015. "Increasing access to dental and medical care by allowing greater flexibility in scope of practice," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(9), pages 1755-1762.
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