TY - JOUR

T1 - A qualitative study examining the experience of primary care dentists in the detection and management of potentially malignant lesions. 2. Mechanics of the referral and patient communication

AU - Brocklehurst, P R

AU - Baker, S.R.

AU - Speight, P. M.

PY - 2010/1/23

Y1 - 2010/1/23

N2 - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis of early and pre-malignant lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma is of paramount importance given the mortality rate of late stage disease. Although studies have been undertaken examining how dentists manage and refer potentially malignant lesions, the majority of the research has used questionnaires, with the inherent bias this introduces. The aim of this study was to use qualitative methods to understand in more detail how practitioners manage potentially malignant lesions once they have been discovered.METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eighteen dentists in Sheffield, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Five codes were identified relating to the mechanics of the referral, the management of the lesion and the patient's risk factors. Health promotional activities were not being undertaken by all the participants and for some, explaining positive results and giving advice about alcohol was perceived as particularly difficult.CONCLUSION: Overall, the present research suggests that further training is required to help dentists broach difficult issues with their patients.

AB - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis of early and pre-malignant lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma is of paramount importance given the mortality rate of late stage disease. Although studies have been undertaken examining how dentists manage and refer potentially malignant lesions, the majority of the research has used questionnaires, with the inherent bias this introduces. The aim of this study was to use qualitative methods to understand in more detail how practitioners manage potentially malignant lesions once they have been discovered.METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eighteen dentists in Sheffield, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Five codes were identified relating to the mechanics of the referral, the management of the lesion and the patient's risk factors. Health promotional activities were not being undertaken by all the participants and for some, explaining positive results and giving advice about alcohol was perceived as particularly difficult.CONCLUSION: Overall, the present research suggests that further training is required to help dentists broach difficult issues with their patients.

KW - Adult

KW - Attitude of Health Personnel

KW - Carcinoma, Squamous Cell

KW - Early Detection of Cancer

KW - Female

KW - General Practice, Dental

KW - Health Promotion

KW - Humans

KW - Interviews as Topic

KW - Male

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Mouth Neoplasms

KW - Patient Acceptance of Health Care

KW - Practice Patterns, Dentists'

KW - Qualitative Research

KW - Referral and Consultation

KW - Truth Disclosure

KW - Journal Article

U2 - 10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.55

DO - 10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.55

M3 - Article

C2 - 20098361

VL - 208

SP - E4; discussion 74-5

JO - British Dental Journal

JF - British Dental Journal

SN - 1476-5373

IS - 2

ER -