Comparing a tablet computer and paper forms for assessing patient-reported outcomes in edentulous patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether two methods of documentation, print and electronic forms, for the assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in complete denture wearers provide comparable results. The study also quantified the time needed for filling the forms by each method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty participants enrolled in a university clinic answered two forms (a questionnaire for denture satisfaction and OHIP-EDENT). They provided answers with two application methods in a random order, with a one-month interval between them: (1) electronic forms on a tablet computer; and (2) print forms. The methods were compared in terms of mean results, correlation/agreement, internal consistency, and spent time. RESULTS: Mean results for both methods were similar for each denture satisfaction item (100-mm VAS) and OHIP-EDENT summary score. Both questionnaires presented good internal consistency regardless of the application method (Cronbach's α=0.86 or higher). Correlation and agreement between the methods regarding specific items was at least moderate for the majority of cases. Mean time for the electronic and print forms were 9.2 and 8.5 minutes, respectively (paired t test, P=.06, non-significant). CONCLUSION: The electronic method is comparable to print forms for the assessment of important PRO of prosthetic treatment for edentulism, considering the results and time needed. Findings suggest the viability of replacing print forms with a tablet for applying the tested inventories in clinical trials.

Método simplificado versus convencional de confecção de próteses totais: práticas adotadas pelos Cirurgiões-Dentistas / Simplified versus conventional method for the fabrication of complete dentures: procedures adopted by dentists

Introdução: A fim de reduzir custos e tempo clínico envolvidos com o tratamento, Dentistas têm utilizado métodos simplificados, omitindo ou abreviando partes da técnica de confecção das próteses totais. Objetivo: Levantar as práticas utilizadas pelos Cirurgiões-Dentistas para a confecção de próteses totais. Material e método: Os dados foram levantados por meio de um formulário eletrônico contendo perguntas relativas ao perfil e aos procedimentos clínicos utilizados, a fim de quantificar o uso de métodos simplificados e convencionais, bem como para determinar a relação com o perfil desses profissionais. Os resultados foram analisados por meio de análise de Aglomerados. Resultado: As respostas foram dadas, em sua maioria, por homens, tendo a prática clínica como sua principal fonte de renda e clínica privada ou conveniada como ambiente principal de trabalho (n=119). Grande parte dos entrevistados relatou realizar duas moldagens por arcada, utilização de articulador semiajustável com arco facial, determinação de plano oclusal por meio de guias anatômicos, utilização de meios métricos para análise da dimensão vertical de oclusão e determinação direta da relação cêntrica. O próprio Cirurgião-Dentista relatou ser o responsável na fase de seleção de dentes. A estatística identificou dois Aglomerados, com base nas características demográficas e na prática clínica, sendo um grupo formado por generalistas adeptos de perfis mais simplificados e outro formado por profissionais mais especializados em prótese que realizam técnicas convencionais. Conclusão: A adoção de técnicas simplificadas é associada àqueles Dentistas com perfil mais generalista, ...

Introduction: In order to reduce costs and clinical time involved with complete denture treatment, dentists have employed simplified methods based on the reduction or preclusion of certain traditional technical procedures. Purpose: To survey the procedures used by dentists to fabricate complete dentures. Material and method: Data was obtained by an electronic form containing questions about dentists' profile and clinical procedures, in order to quantify traditional and simplified approaches at several moments and to determine them to different professional profiles. Results were evaluated by means of cluster analysis. Result: The majority of respondents were male dentists with clinical practice as their main income source, mainly in private service (n=119). Most participants use to take a pair of impressions from each arch, employ semiadjustable articulators with facebow transfers, shape the occlusal plane with the aid of anatomic references, determine occlusal vertical dimension by metric methods and use mandibular manipulation for centric relation. The dentists performed tooth selection in most cases. Statistical analysis identified two clusters based on demographic characteristics and clinical procedures. General practitioners adopting simplified methods formed the first cluster, whereas prosthodontists used to conventional methods formed the second. Conclusion: General dentists tend to adopt simplified approaches, and prosthodontists tend to work according to traditional academic methods. .