Model of Oral Health Care Service for Long Term Care Patients through Community Involvement, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

Patients in long-term care facing challenges in accessing dental health services encounter potential risks when oral cavity cleaning is done incorrectly or inadequately, leading to significant oral health issues. Those with physical limitations and dependence on caregivers for daily living activities require proper oral health care. For long-term care patients with dependence, oral health care is equally crucial as their overall health care. This research aims to create a model of oral health care service for long-term care patients through community involvement, Chaiyaphum province. The researcher conducted qualitative research methods to obtain appropriate oral health care models for long-term care patients by using document studies and a small group discussion process of community individuals and community health promotion professionals. Data analysis using content analysis methods from small group discussions and document studies.

The study found that the oral health care service model for long-term care patients with dependency within the participatory action research cycle model has 10 steps. The caregiver, care manager, and dental nurse are involved in every step of the implementation by implementing the action research cycle framework. Long-term care patients are provided with efficient and thorough dental services. In addition, the collaboration between the caregiver, care manager, and dental nurse enables rapid referral of patient information to primary treatment or referral to host hospitals.