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Patients' Acceptability of Computer-Based Information on Hypodontia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
A Ben Gassem1, R Foxton2, D Bister2
11 Taibah University, Dental College, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
JDR Clinical and Translational Research
|April 3, 2019
Summary
Patients with hypodontia preferred interactive computer-based education material (ICB-EM) over traditional leaflets. This digital approach significantly increased patient satisfaction with health information, highlighting a shift towards modern educational tools in dental care.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Health Informatics
- Patient Education
Background:
- Hypodontia, the congenital absence of teeth, requires comprehensive patient understanding for effective management.
- Traditional patient education materials, such as leaflets, may not fully engage 21st-century patients accustomed to digital resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient acceptability of a hypodontia-specific interactive computer-based education material (ICB-EM) against a standard British Orthodontic Society (BOS) leaflet.
- To evaluate patient satisfaction with different formats of health information delivery for hypodontia.
Main Methods:
- A two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a 1:1 allocation ratio was conducted.
- Ninety-six new hypodontia patients (aged 14+) were randomized to receive either the BOS leaflet or the ICB-EM.
- Patient evaluation of the intervention was measured using the treatment evaluation inventory.
Main Results:
- The study analyzed 76 participants (38 per group), with a mean age of 19-20.3 years.
- The intervention group, receiving the ICB-EM, reported significantly higher satisfaction compared to the control group (t = -3.53, P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Patients demonstrated a clear preference for the interactive computer-based information format.
- This study provides evidence supporting the use of digital health education tools for hypodontia patients, aligning with modern patient expectations.