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
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In: British Dental Journal, Vol. 208, No. 2, 23.01.2010, p. E4; discussion 74-5.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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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 -