IADR Abstract Archives
Supporting Skill-Mix in General Dental Practices: Skills Optimiser Self-Evaluation Tool
Objectives: Studies across the health service reveal benefits of team-work. We have yet to establish how to optimise the skill-mix of the dental team to achieve best service delivery. This study built upon an established self-evaluation process (Maturity Matrix Dentistry) and a logic model of the dental skill-mix literature to develop a whole-team self-evaluation tool for optimising practice skill-mix.
Methods: Following the realist approach, research literature was coded for high-level factors (positive and negative) describing the conditions/context under which the mechanisms operate to produce desired outcomes. Drawing upon the coding, domains relevant to skill-mix in general dental practice were identified, and within each, criteria defined. The items within domains of influence were refined following consultations with dental professionals and piloting.
Results: The process was piloted with 11 practices across South Wales, supported by three quality improvement (QI) tutors. Feedback was received from 92 members of the dental teams. Results showed that SOSET was straightforward, used clear language, was useful and would be used to improve practice, that having a facilitator was helpful, and that the whole team could contribute to the discussion. QI tutors recommended reducing the paperwork and condensing the SOSET. Following piloting, we reduced the number of domains and criteria. Other amendments made the SOSET language more accessible and improved flow between the different domain criteria. Reducing the size and complexity of the SOSET also enhanced its suitability as a ‘lunch and learn’ exercise. All refinements were discussed and negotiated with the QI tutors.
Conclusions: The key message from our research findings is that there are significant barriers to the optimisation of skill-mix in dental practice. We developed SOSET to help support dental teams. Its development was based on an analysis of evidence and its usefulness has been demonstrated in the pilot testing. It is now ready for wider exploitation.
Methods: Following the realist approach, research literature was coded for high-level factors (positive and negative) describing the conditions/context under which the mechanisms operate to produce desired outcomes. Drawing upon the coding, domains relevant to skill-mix in general dental practice were identified, and within each, criteria defined. The items within domains of influence were refined following consultations with dental professionals and piloting.
Results: The process was piloted with 11 practices across South Wales, supported by three quality improvement (QI) tutors. Feedback was received from 92 members of the dental teams. Results showed that SOSET was straightforward, used clear language, was useful and would be used to improve practice, that having a facilitator was helpful, and that the whole team could contribute to the discussion. QI tutors recommended reducing the paperwork and condensing the SOSET. Following piloting, we reduced the number of domains and criteria. Other amendments made the SOSET language more accessible and improved flow between the different domain criteria. Reducing the size and complexity of the SOSET also enhanced its suitability as a ‘lunch and learn’ exercise. All refinements were discussed and negotiated with the QI tutors.
Conclusions: The key message from our research findings is that there are significant barriers to the optimisation of skill-mix in dental practice. We developed SOSET to help support dental teams. Its development was based on an analysis of evidence and its usefulness has been demonstrated in the pilot testing. It is now ready for wider exploitation.