Barriers and facilitators to using an objective risk communication tool during primary care dental consultations: A Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) informed qualitative study

Musson, Danielle; Buchanan, Heather; Nolan, Matthew; Asimakopoulou, Koula

Abstract

Objectives
Objective risk communication tools can supplement clinical judgement and support the understanding of potential health risks. This study used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing a risk communication aid within primary care dental consultations.

Methods
Dentists (N = 13), recruited via a dental practice database and through professional contacts were interviewed using a TDF-informed semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed inductively and deductively coding the themes using the TDF.

Results
Eight theoretical domains (environmental context and resources; beliefs about consequences; goals; memory, attention, and decision processes; optimism; reinforcement; social influences and behavioural regulation) and thirteen sub-themes were identified. Insufficient resources and patient factors were commonly encountered barriers and led to increasing pressure to prioritise other tasks. Whilst dentists had a favourable view towards a risk communication aid and acknowledged its benefits, some were sceptical about its ability to facilitate behaviour change. Self-monitoring strategies and colleague support facilitated tool usage.

Conclusions
This study identified six barriers and seven facilitators to implementing a risk communication tool within primary care dental settings. Dentists appreciated the value of using a risk communication tool during dental consultations, although some required further support to integrate the tool into practice.

Clinical significance
Our findings provide a sound theoretical base for interventions aimed at facilitating patient behaviour change through the use of risk communication in dentistry. Further research should apply behavioural science to support the implementation of the tool in clinical practice.

Citation

Musson, D., Buchanan, H., Nolan, M., & Asimakopoulou, K. (2024). Barriers and facilitators to using an objective risk communication tool during primary care dental consultations: A Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) informed qualitative study. Journal of Dentistry, 142, Article 104853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104853

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 17, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jan 18, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-03
• Deposit Date: Feb 7, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 19, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Dentistry
• Print ISSN: 0300-5712
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 142
• Article Number: 104853
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104853
• Keywords: General Dentistry
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/29842155
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030057122400023X?via%3Dihub