Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Occupational Therapists in Promoting Oral Health: A Protocol for Mixed-Methods...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Therapy
• Oral Health

Background:

• Poor oral health is a global public health issue impacting overall well-being.
• Occupational therapists can improve oral health by supporting activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Limited evidence exists on occupational therapists' oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAPs), and related barriers/facilitators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current evidence on occupational therapists' KAPs concerning oral health.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing occupational therapists' role in oral healthcare.
• To inform policies, training, and clinical practices for better oral health integration.

Main Methods:

• Protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review.
• Adherence to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-P guidelines.
• Comprehensive search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, OTseeker).

Main Results:

• The planned systematic review will synthesize findings on occupational therapists' KAPs in oral health.
• Expected insights into barriers and facilitators for occupational therapists' involvement in oral healthcare.
• Anticipated data to inform improvements in oral health promotion strategies.

Conclusions:

• Findings will enhance the integration of oral health into occupational therapy practice.
• The review aims to improve occupational therapists' capacity to promote client oral health.
• Ultimately, this work seeks to improve overall client health and well-being through better oral care.