Abstract

Patient Centred Orthodontics - where are we now?

by Cunningham Susan

The terms “patient centred care” and “patient centred research” are increasingly seen in the healthcare literature. Patient centred care focuses on the preferences, needs, and values of our patients. This is closely linked to patient centred research which considers the questions and outcomes which matter most to our patients. Patient centred research ensures that research is relevant and that it can ultimately contribute to enhanced healthcare provision and improved outcomes. Research in dentistry and orthodontics has traditionally been clinician-centred and focused on measurable clinical outcomes, but only by including patients in research can we truly provide the highest quality patient centred care. This presentation will look at the evolution of these areas in in modern day orthodontics. The presentation will discuss the importance of including patients’ opinions at all stages and will consider how patient centred research works alongside more conventional clinical research. The implications in future healthcare planning will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to describe the key aspects of patient centred care and patient centred research
After this lecture, you will be able to recognise how patient centred research works alongside more conventional clinical research
After this lecture, you will be able to consider how research in this area may influence the development of patient centred orthodontic services in the future