303984
Developing a Clinical Decision Support System for Dental Providers for Integrated Care at Chairside
Methods: We modified a smoking cessation CDSS designed for dentists for use by dental hygienists; diabetes, hypertension, and nutrition modules were developed and incorporated into the tool. First, we appraised education and scope of practice requirements with input from health experts, and reviewed current professional guidelines and best practices for diabetes and hypertension screening, tobacco use, and nutrition counseling at chairside. Second, we created algorithms for the four health issues (diabetes, hypertension, tobacco use and nutrition counseling). Third, an IT specialist incorporated them into the tool using an iterative process to refine the CDSS, with input from a panel of experts. Finally, data from 16 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with dental hygienists (n=10) and dentists (n=6) were used to guide the project.
Results: A web-based CDSS for use in private dental offices by dental hygienists at chairside was developed. The tobacco use CDSS was field tested by dental hygienists working in private dental offices, and qualitative data are currently being analyzed. Preliminary findings indicate the need for increased guidance and support of dental hygienists in caring for their patients at chairside.
Conclusions: Electronic medical and dental records may usefully be supported by CDSS technology to improve primary care coordination by dental hygienists at chairside, leading to improved patient health.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsCommunication and informatics
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public
Learning Objectives:
Assess the needs of dental hygienists and dentists regarding systems to better integrate dental and medical care.
Analyze evidence-based approaches to implementing dental office system changes considering office workflow, time and resource constraints, and office staffing concerns.
Keyword(s): Oral Health, Workforce
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am presently the project coordinator on a federally funded grant and have training in both dentistry and public health. My work focuses on reducing health disparities and improving access to care for populations at need, including both the elderly and children.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.