Understanding oral health needs for people with Motor Neurone Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Addressing knowledge gaps: Understanding and tackling oral health needs for people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
IRAS ID
347222
Contact name
Anne-Marie Glenny
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to address the oral health needs of people with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), a progressive condition that affects the brain and nerves, leading to muscle weakness, speech difficulties, and challenges in swallowing. Oral health plays a critical role in maintaining quality of life by improving the ability to eat and speak and reducing risks such as aspiration pneumonia. However, there is little information available on how people with MND can access dental care and maintain oral health.
The research will investigate the oral health needs of MND patients, exploring barriers and enablers to maintaining good oral health through a combination of methods. These include a review of the existing literature, interviews with MND patients and their caregivers, and a national survey. The goal is to develop an evidence-based oral health care pathway and a toolkit to help patients, and their carers manage oral hygiene more effectively.
The study will recruit participants from the UK, including both MND patients and health and social care professionals. Interviews will be semi-structured, allowing participants to share their experiences, and the national survey will validate findings from the interviews. The research is funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDa) and will last for a set period, with interviews and surveys conducted over a six-week span.
The results are expected to inform the development of tailored resources for people with MND, improving their oral health care and overall quality of life. The study will be conducted under the ethical guidelines of the University of Manchester and will ensure participant confidentiality throughout.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0349
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion