Comparing patient reported outcomes on oral hygiene, periodontal health and quality of life satisfaction measures among older adults in long-term care facilities managed by the public, private and church sector

Abstract

Introduction: The oral health of the aging population, particularly the oral health of older individuals living in long-term care facilities, is an important concern due to its direct relationship with overall health and quality of life. The value that healthcare adds to older adults may therefore be better measured using patient reported outcome measures. These are evaluations of patients’ health experiences from the perspective of patients themselves. In recent years, the importance of patient-centered treatment is increasingly acknowledged. Aims: The aim of this research is to compare patient reported outcomes on oral hygiene, periodontal health and quality of life satisfaction as reported by older adults residing in long-term care facilities in Malta. The second aim is to explore whether there are any differences in older adults’ perceptions and needs pertaining to their oral health, periodontal health and quality of life satisfaction in three of these long-term care facilities. Namely, St. Vincent de Paul Residence; a government owned long-term care facility, Villa Messina Home; a private owned long-term care facility and Pax et Bonum; a church owned long-term care facility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that patients’ perceptions and self-reported needs differ amongst older adults in public, church, and private long-term care facilities. Methodology & Results: Questionnaires were conducted to 20 residents from each of the selected long-term care facilities (Total = 60). Results showed marginal differences between the perceptions of older adults from the three long-term care facilities. In addition, no significant differences were observed between same gender and mixed gender homes. Although this might be due to the small sample size of this research study. Conclusion: It has been concluded that there is a knowledge gap between patient reported outcomes and adequate oral hygiene practices across all three types of residential homes. Although residents across all three types of long-term care facilities lack adequate oral hygiene practices, results indicate that self-perceptions of oral health were predominantly positive. Hence, the importance of oral health promotion across all types of residential homes in Malta and Gozo in order to create awareness on the importance of oral health.