IADR Abstract Archives

Core outcomes for oral health research involving dependent older adults

Objectives: The proportion of older adults with total tooth loss has fallen over the past few decades. Although this indicates an improvement in oral health in this population it presents several challenges to dental services. As the number of older adults increases, the number of older adults with oral health problems will also increase. Currently, the provision for the prevention of oral disease in dependent older adults is poor. Systematic reviews are commonly used to influence policy and practice, but heterogeneity of studies can be problematic. Furthermore, outcomes measured in some studies are not always important to patients. To overcome these problems researchers are developing a list of essential outcomes (Core Outcome Set), which should be reported as a minimum in all studies for a specific condition. The aim is to develop a core outcome set (COS) for oral health research involving dependent older adults (≥65 years). Methods: A multi-step process involving consensus methods with key stakeholders will be undertaken. A systematic review of previous studies to identify oral health outcomes for dependent older adults will be conducted first. Semi-structured interviews (n=30) with key stakeholders will then be undertaken to prioritise the list of outcomes generated by the systematic review, but also to identify additional outcomes considered important to key stakeholders. Stakeholders will include dependent older adults, family, carers, care-home managers, health professionals, researchers, dental commissioners and policy makers. Consensus methods including a Delphi survey (n=80), informed by the systematic review and interviews, and a face-to-face consensus meeting will then be undertaken with key stakeholders. Results: The consensus process will help generate a COS that is relevant to all key stakeholders. Conclusions: Developing this clinically and patient-centred COS will improve the design, conduct and reporting of oral health research involving dependent older adults, and ultimately strengthen the evidence base for the provision of high-quality oral healthcare
Irish Division Meeting
2019 Irish Division Meeting (Cork, Ireland)
Cork, Ireland
2019

Accepted Abstracts
  • Watson, Sinead  ( Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast )
  • Mcmullan, Julie  ( Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast )
  • Mckenna, Gerry  ( Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast )
  • The Dunhill Medical Trust (grant ref: RPGF1806\56)
    All authors have no conflicts to declare
    IADR Final Irish Division 2019