Qualitative focus group interview study of communication between patients, dentists and physicians for efficient osteonecrosis of the jaw practices

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate problems and the current status of existing methods of communication between patients, dentists and physicians for the prevention and treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).DesignA focus group interview study with a descriptive design using qualitative content analysis of transcripts.SettingSecondary care in Korea.Participants3 patient groups and 4 health professional groups in a total of 32 participants including patients with osteoporosis or bone metastasis, dentists and physicians.ResultsThis study revealed that patients lacked medical knowledge of osteoporosis drugs, whereas dentists and physicians lacked each other’s expertise. All patients reported undergoing dental treatments during the osteoporosis drug treatment, but dentists and physicians had different MRONJ experiences depending on their work setting in primary or secondary care. Patients expressed dissatisfaction with the current system of communication with health professionals via letter as they found this to be a slow process. Dentists and physicians reported the need for effective communication because they felt defensive when sending and receiving medical consults.ConclusionsDespite the low incidence of MRONJ among patients with osteoporosis, it is difficult to treat; thus, it is necessary to inform dentists, physicians and patients about the importance of MRONJ prevention. To this end, close communication among all involved stakeholders about osteoporosis drugs is required.

Anti‐resorptive therapy and MRONJ. A survey of the Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology

“…Evidence confirms that the level of communication among physicians, dentists and patients is fairly inappropriate (Choi et al, 2022).…”

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and the role of the doctor of dental surgery: a literature review

“…The multidisciplinary nature of the treatment must be prioritized, and the DDS should communicate with the patient's physician whenever possible (Ruggiero et al, 2022;Aparecida et al, 2018;Kim et al, 2021). However, in a survey conducted by Choi et al (2022), none of the patients interviewed had been informed by their physician or dentist about the importance of dental appointments prior to starting therapy and about the influence of the medications on some dental procedures. This data shows that this communication is still scarce.…”