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Non-clinical factors associated with referral to periodontal specialists: a systematic review
Background: A comprehensive understanding of the referral process, and factors associated with it, will assist the general dentist (GD)-periodontist relationship and ultimately benefit patient care and services. Non-clinical factors influence clinical decision making but are rarely considered. The objective of this review was to identify non-clinical factors which have been found to be associated with referral to periodontal specialists.
Method: A systematic review of English-language literature was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search was carried out using CINAHL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Sources and PubMed databases. Search terms used included refer or referral, and periodontal or periodontist. Potentially relevant publications were analysed in detail using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected papers were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the data extracted were thematically synthesized.
Results: 10 studies which examined non-clinical factors fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four non-clinical factor themes were identified: practice-related, GD-related, patient-related and periodontist-related.
Findings and Conclusions: There was limited literature available on non-clinical factors associated with referrals to periodontal specialists. Within the limits of this systematic review it was found that practice, GD, patient and periodontist related non-clinical factors affect the referral process. These factors varied between the different GD populations studied. Geographical location, as well as undergraduate training and continuing professional development, are factors which could be targeted to improve referral processes.
History
Publication title
Journal of PeriodontologyVolume
88Pagination
89-99ISSN
0022-3492Department/School
School of Health SciencesPublisher
Amer Acad PeriodontologyPlace of publication
United StatesRights statement
© 2017 American Academy of PeriodontologyRepository Status
- Restricted