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Psychological and Clinical Outcomes After Splint Therapy With Versus Without Doctor-Patient Communication Concept in
Mai Ahmed Haggag1, Christine Raouf Micheal Ibrahim2, Soaad Tolba Badawy1
1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Background:
Splint therapy is a common treatment approach for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), but the role of doctor-patient communication in enhancing therapeutic outcomes remains underexplored.
Purpose:
This study aimed to assess the impact of integrating a structured doctor-patient communication concept with splint therapy on psychological and clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in managing TMDs.
Study Design:
A randomised clinical trial was conducted on patients diagnosed with TMDs at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department Clinics, Mansoura University. 435 participants were randomised into two groups: the control group (splint therapy alone) and the study group (splint therapy combined with doctor-patient communication).
Main Outcome Variables:
The psychological distress evaluated using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-10 (DASS-10) and clinical outcomes, including intra-articular pain, unassisted maximal interincisal mouth opening, joint sounds and muscular pain, were measured at baseline (before intervention) and 6 months post-intervention. Patient satisfaction was analysed based on overall clinical satisfaction and postoperative expectations at 6 and 12 months after the intervention.
Results:
Significant improvements in clinical and psychological outcomes were observed within both groups at 6 months compared to baseline (p < 0.001). The study group showed significantly improved anxiety and stress levels (p < 0.001), better clinical outcomes (p < 0.01), higher overall clinical satisfaction and better alignment with postoperative expectations at 6 months (p < 0.001) compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
Integrating a structured doctor-patient communication concept with splint therapy significantly enhances psychological and clinical outcomes in managing TMDs, particularly enhancing long-term satisfaction and alignment with postoperative expectations.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06783530. First Posted Date: 01/09/2025. Last Update Posted 01/14/2025. Retrospectively registered.
