Seeking Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding patients’ experiences of seeking care for dental problems and reasons for consulting a General Medical Practitioner
IRAS ID
219512
Contact name
Anwen L. Cope
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Every year tens of thousands of patients in the UK go to see a general medical practitioner (GMP, also known as a GP or family doctor) with a dental problem. However, GMPs are not well-placed to treat such conditions, and patients are unlikely to receive the most effective treatment for their dental problem. This could adversely affect the health and wellbeing of patients, and also is an inefficient use of NHS resources.
Despite these concerns, there has been very little research conducted to date as to why patients may consult a doctor, rather than a dentist, when they have a problem with their teeth or gums. This interview-based study aims to explore this issue, and to understand some of the barriers that patients face when seeking care for dental problems.
It will involve up to 25 adult participants who have been to see a GMP with a dental problem in the previous 12 months. Participants will be recruited via media advertisements and using online recruitment platforms such as social media and discussion fora. Interviews will be conducted via telephone and will last up to 45 minutes.
It is hoped that the findings of this study will support researchers and healthcare providers to better support patients experiencing dental problems so they may access the most appropriate type of care.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0021
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion