Oral health and dental treatment for persons with severe or long term mental illness in Norway
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN10736304 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10736304 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil known |
| Protocol serial number | 2015/1724-1 |
| Sponsor | Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway |
| Funders | Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway, Directorate of Health in Norway |
- Submission date
- 11/05/2020
- Registration date
- 18/05/2020
- Last edited
- 20/12/2021
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Oral health is an important factor in the quality of life and overall health and well-being. People with mental health disorders are reported to have poorer oral health and poorer access to dental health services as compared to the general population. That is, there are barriers to oral health in adults with mental disorders. Little is known about why this patient group misses necessary dental treatment.
This study explores different aspects of oral health and dental health services use among persons with severe or long term mental illness.
We wanted to explore the experiences and views of patients with SMI regarding oral health care services and particularly to explore perceived barriers to obtaining optimal dental health care. Further, we wanted to identify possible facilitators to provide true access to dental health services for this population. The ultimate goal of our study was to develop and improve adequate oral health services for persons with SMI.
Who can participate?
Adults over 18 years who receive support from the Community Mental Health Services in a Norwegian municipality and live at home.
What does the study involve?
Participants were recruited by the Community mental health services. At the onset of the research project, all service users receiving individual support from the Community mental health team were informed and asked to participate by their individually assigned contact person in the team. Participation was based on informed and written consent. Participation in the study involved an intake interview by a clinical psychologist, and a dental examination by a dentist. When treatment needs were identified in the oral examination, dental treatment was offered and performed to all patients. As far as possible, dental treatment was arranged and carried out according to the patient’s own preferences.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Benefits: The participants were offered free oral examination and dental treatment from a highly competent dentist and were invited to bring about their own experiences of barriers and facilitators for dental care.
Risks: Telling your story about oral and mental health might be challenging for some and there could possibly be a risk for symptom increase. At the same time, a conversation like this can also be experienced as supportive. Interviewers and support persons has to take responsibility and be aware of this possible dilemma, and follow up participants when needed. The participants had ongoing contact with the Community mental health services during data collection.
Where is the study run from?
Stord Community Mental Health Centre (Norway)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
October 2015 to December 2021
Who is funding the study?
1. Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway
2. Directorate of Health in Norway
Who is the main contact?
Jofrid Bjørkvik, jofrid.bjorkvik@gmail.com
Contact information
Scientific
Pb 2354
Møllendal
Bergen
5867
Norway
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-0270-3856 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +47 41201631 |
| jofrid.bjorkvik@vlfk.no |
Study information
| Primary study design | Observational |
|---|---|
| Study design | Longitudinal mixed-methods |
| Secondary study design | Longitudinal study |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Oral health and dental treatment for persons with severe or long term mental illness |
| Study objectives | The main goal of this study was to develop and improve adequate oral health services for persons with severe or long term mental illness (SMI). This study has three sub-objectives: 1. To study dental status and oral health for people affected by severe or long term mental health disorders 2. To explore perceived barriers to obtain optimal dental health care for patients with severe or long term mental illness, and to identify possible facilitators to provide true access to dental services for this population 3. To explore possibilities and obstacles to cooperation between dental health services and other health services that are relevant for this patient group |
| Ethics approval(s) | Approved 22/10/2015, Regional Ethics Committee for Medical and Health Research in Western Norway (REK vest: Rogaland, Vestland, Norway; +47 55 97 50 00; rek-vest@uib.no), ref: 2015/1724-1 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | In need of long term psychosocial support |
| Intervention | Participants were recruited by the Community mental health services. At the onset of the research project, all service users receiving individual support from the Community mental health team were informed and asked to participate by their individually assigned contact person in the team (all psychiatric nurses). Participants have different psychiatric conditions, but are in need of long term psychosocial support. Participation in the study involved an intake interview by the first author (JB, clinical psychologist PhD), a dental examination by the second author (DH, dentist), and a number of questionnaires comprising issues relevant for oral health. When treatment needs were identified in the oral examination, dental treatment was offered and performed to all patients. As far as possible, dental treatment was arranged and carried out according to the patient’s own preferences. There was a follow-up interview after completion of dental treatment in order to validate the content of the first interview and to provide the participants with an opportunity to add new information. |
| Intervention type | Mixed |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
At baseline and follow up (after treatment end): |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Barriers and facilitators for oral health and access to dental services for people with SMI measured using semi-structured interview at baseline and follow up (after treatment end) |
| Completion date | 31/12/2021 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 82 |
| Total final enrolment | 52 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Receive support from the Community Mental Health Services in a Norwegian municipality 2. 18 years old or more 3. Psychiatric health challenges and are in need of psychosocial support 4. Live in their own homes |
| Key exclusion criteria | Not understanding Norwegian or English language |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/12/2017 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/03/2019 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Norway
Study participating centres
Stord
5401
Norway
Stord
5401
Norway
Bergen
5867
Norway
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| IPD sharing plan | The current data sharing plans for this study are unknown and will be available at a later date |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | 01/02/2021 | 20/12/2021 | Yes | No | |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
20/12/2021: Publication reference added.
18/05/2020: Trial’s existence confirmed by Regional Ethics Committee for Medical and Health Research in Western Norway.
