Tetsuro Konoo 1) , Ikuko Noro 2)
1) Division of Comprehensive Dentistry, Department of Oral Function, Kyushu Dental Universiy
2) The Jikei University School of Medicine
TAKAI Rihito 1), 2)
1) Toseikai Healthcare Corporation Life-Long Care Clinic for Disabled people
2) Department of Dentistry for Children and Disabled Persons, Division of Oral Function Science, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Dental Medicine
Medical advances have led to an increase in the number of technology-dependent children who require tube feeding and ventilation on a daily basis, and whose oral problems differ from those of children with typical development. Because of their impaired breathing and swallowing function, these children face increased systemic risks from diseases of the oral cavity. Ongoing oral management should be instituted from an early age to prevent dental disease. In 2018, the insurance reimbursement system was extended to include a new reimbursement for children who were specified as eligible for dental visits. The main services provided during pediatric dental visits are oral care and feeding guidance. In pediatric home dental care, it is important to understand the living conditions of the patients and their families. Collaboration with multiple professions is also required, and cross-disciplinary involvement is sometimes necessary. As the number of technology-dependent children increases, the need for pediatric home dental care is expected to grow. However, current services are not sufficiently widespread, and the system for providing pediatric home dental care needs to be upgraded.
Tomoko Hamasaki
Kyshu Women’s University
Our research investigated communication in dental clinical settings, including an analysis of court decisions in dental malpractice cases litigated in Japan. Approximately 60% of litigation in Japan related to cases in which the dentist was found to violate their “duty to explain”. We studied how the dentists’ method of explaining treatment was related to their legal responsibility. Dentists should pay careful attention not only to the patient's consent but also to their explanation of procedures, including the provision of medical guidance. They should recognize that inappropriate explanations are correlated with serious errors. Our communication survey conducted in dental clinical settings revealed that patient satisfaction was highest when the level of communication between dentists and dental hygienists was consistent. Methods of explanation were also an important element in communication between dental healthcare professionals. Our evaluation of the effects of dentist ? dental hygienist communication on patient outcomes indicated a significant correlation, suggesting that interprofessional communication in the field of dentistry affects patient satisfaction.
Kazuyoshi Suzuki
Department of Dental Hygiene, Aichi Gakuin University, Junior College
In dental education in Japan, education on initial medical interviews for dental visits is being conducted at dental schools nationwide. However, education on medical communication beyond the initial visit is not being carried out sufficiently. Therefore, classes were conducted on the procedures and content of medical interviews during follow-up visits. The course content and student reflection papers were analyzed. The student reflection papers revealed an understanding of the importance of a patient's perspective and effective communication. These learning experiences for students seem to have been obtained through activities such as video watching, role-playing, and demonstrations. The ability to build a good relationship with patients is essential for healthcare professionals. Medical communication is closely related to this. Medical communication education can encompass various clinical scenarios. In dental education, it is necessary to expand the focus of medical communication education to include follow-up visits and explanation scenarios in the future. This will allow students to feel more connected to clinical settings where patients are present. Consequently, students will have more opportunities to learn from a patient-centered perspective in healthcare.
Copyright © Japanese Association of Healthcare Communication