Motivational interviewing and oral health education: Experiences from a sample of elderly individuals in North and Northeast Philadelphia

Abstract

Background Health education has a focus on knowledge dissemination and advice giving, which seldom translates into behavioral changes. Motivational interviewing (MI) has potential for helping elderly patients. However, most oral health studies conducted to date have excluded older individuals, and the outcomes examined have been exclusively clinical. This study examines the treatment fidelity of an individual‐based MI intervention and assesses baseline characteristics related to older adults’ self‐efficacy (SE), oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health knowledge, and facilitators, barriers, and confidence on achieving MI goals. Methods A convenience sample of 60 seniors was recruited. Participants were obtained through the flow of patients at dental clinics, and received a 45‐min individual‐based MI education session during a scheduled dental appointment. Results Regarding MI treatment fidelity, basic proficiency or higher was achieved in all global areas. Significant correlations were found between SE and OHRQoL scores and rating elements of the MI intervention (P = 0.0001). Lack of knowledge related to connections between poly pharmacy and caries risk, and the importance of use of fluorides were evident. Conclusion Findings from the study support the reliability of this new MI intervention. Dental professionals are encouraged to adopt the spirit of MI in their one‐on‐one patient counseling.

Health Coaching-Based Interventions for Oral Health Promotion: A Scoping Review

“…Likewise, Cinar et al [ 47 ] and Cinar et al [ 13 ] recommend using HC-tailored communication in the management of the oral health of patients with type 2 diabetes. This was reiterated by Tellez et al [ 42 ] and Tellez et al [ 38 ], who stressed on the need for a tailored individual-based HE intervention using the MI technique instead of conventional HE. Similarly, Gao et al [ 39 ] recommend using tailored communication in the form of an MI counselling approach to change oral health behaviours.…”

“…Cinar et al [ 13 ] and Cinar et al [ 47 ] stressed the need for patient-health professional engagement in the behaviour change journey using the HC approach. Tellez et al [ 38 ] noted that health professionals should engage patients by providing them with a menu of options rather than a prescribed checklist when using MI technique. In a similar analysis, Brand et al [ 34 ] recommended adopting evidence-based patient engagement strategies through MI.…”

“…Nevertheless, Gao et al [ 39 ] noted that the potential for using MI in dental and oral healthcare remains controversial; they suggested conducting more studies to understand its roles. Tellez et al [ 38 ] recommended teaching dental professionals to adopt MI strategies in one-on-one-patient communication, whereas Tellez et al [ 42 ] recommended training para-dental professionals working in areas without dentists to adopt MI approaches. Stenman et al [ 31 ] observed that dental professionals should be taught how to motivate patients, whereas Yevlahova and Satur [ 37 ] noted the need to develop an effective MI model for chairside oral health promotion.…”

“… Saengtipbovorn, Taneepanichskul [ 36 ] 2015 Thailand To assess if Lifestyle Change plus Dental Care can improve oral health knowledge, attitude and practice in diabetic patients N = 132 patients Quantitative Oral hygiene practices, MI, behaviour change and oral health improvement A combination of lifestyle change with dental care improves knowledge, attitude and practice toward oral health and diabetes mellitus in the elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Yevlahova, Satur [ 37 ] 2009 Australia To identify and assess the effectiveness of behaviour models as a basis for individual oral health promotion N = 32 studies Systematic Review MI, behaviour change and oral health improvement There is a need to develop an effective model for chairside oral health promotion. MI has the potential to be developed within the oral health field Tellez, Virtue, Neckritz, Bhoopathi, Hernández, Shearer [ 38 ] 2019 USA To examine fidelity of individual MI intervention and assess baseline characteristics related to older adults’ self-efficacy oral health-related quality of life N = 60 patients Quantitative Tailored MI and OHWs Findings from the study support the reliability of one-on-one MI intervention for conducting oral health education Kay, Vascott, Hocking, Nield [ 1 ] 2016 UK To review evidence regarding the use of MI in general dental practice so practitioners can decide whether it might be an important skill to develop within their practices. N = 20 studies Systematic Review oral health workers, MI as ...…”

“…Training of OHPs in MI techniques. Avoidance of negative judgements Train health professionals to provide MI/HC in clinical settings Engage clients or patients and avoid negative feedback and criticism Tellez et al [ 38 ] MI is reliable for HE. Engaging patients with a menu of options rather than a prescribed checklist Provide individually tailored communication Engage clients or patients and avoid negative feedback and criticism Train health professionals to provide MI/HC in clinical settings Yevlahova & Satur [ 37 ] MI has the potential to be developed within the oral health field.…”