Patient expectations and outcomes of orthodontic treatment

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Patient expectations: The relationship between patient expectations of orthodontic treatment and the outcomes of treatment

• IRAS ID

  191712

• Contact name

  Mark S Sayers

• Contact email

  mark.sayers@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  King's College London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  We know that patients' expectations of their treatment have an influence on how satisfied they are with the results of their treatment. However, little is known about how expectations change over the course of treatment. The aim of this study is to measure patient’s expectations during orthodontic treatment, and the association of expectations with the patients' satisfaction and quality of life.

  We will use previously validated questionnaires to measure expectations of orthodontic treatment in 100 new patients at 6 monthly intervals throughout the course of orthodontic treatment (usually lasting around 2 years). This will start at their first appointment. We will also give the patients a validated quality of life and satisfaction questionnaire when they have completed their treatment. The questionnaires being used have been validated for use in patients of the same age range to that proposed for the study.

  In addition, we will ask a small number of patients (approximately 15) to participate in qualitative interviews at the start of treatment, 12 months into treatment and on completion of orthodontic treatment. It is impossible to give the exact number of patients required for these interviews as interviews cease when no new themes are arising. However, it is anticipated that around 15 patients will be required (this is based on previous research of this type). These interviews will explore patient expectations of treatment in greater detail than the questionnaires.

  Patients will be invited to participate if they fulfill the following criteria:
  1) New patients presenting for fixed orthodontic treatment
  2) Aged between 12 and 15 years (inclusive)
  3) No previous history of orthodontic treatment
  4) Patients do not require orthognathic surgery or craniofacial surgery
  5) Patients who can provide consent and speak English

• REC name

  London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  16/LO/0002

• Date of REC Opinion

  21 Jan 2016

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion