Funded Projects


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2018 Funded Projects

CFDHRE Peer Reviewed Grant

Project Title:

Program Evaluation of Preventative Oral Health Services at Positive Living Society of British Columbia

Lead Principal Applicant

Ms. Iris Feng
Title: Graduate Student
Organization: University of British Columbia

Principal Applicant:

Dr. Mario A. Brondani
Title: Associate Professor
Organization: University of British Columbia

Award

$10,000

Abstract

Problem Statement
Oral health inequalities are strongly linked with income, however groups with vulnerabilities and complex care needs are challenged with additional barriers to accessing oral health care. Vulnerable and marginalized populations across Canada have the greatest burden of oral disease, yet have the greatest difficulty accessing oral health care. In particular, the lack of access to oral health care can have negative effects on the systemic health of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) who already may have a compromised immune system, thus impacting overall quality of life. Unfortunately, PLWHA continue to endure HIV-related stigma and discrimination when attempting to access care due to judgements and perceptions linked with HIV. To expand access to oral health care for PLWHA, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Dental Hygiene Degree Program (DHDP) in collaboration with the Positive Living Society of British Columbia (PLSBC) developed a weekly, on-going preventative oral care program for members of PLSBC. The program has been in place since September 2011 and has yet to be formally evaluated.

Purpose/Aim
This project aims to conduct a program evaluation of the ongoing preventive oral health services delivered at PLSBC to determine how the implementation of these preventive oral health services had impacted PLSBC members and the organization.

Methods
This study will consist of three main activities: a retrospective chart review of members who utilized the dental preventative program, 8-10 personal interviews with members who utilized the program, and one focus group discussion with 6-10 PLSBC staff and administration. Data extracted from charts will provide an overall description including demographic, oral health status, attendance, and preventative dental services delivered. Personal interviews with PLSBC patients and focus groups with staff and administration will be conducted to illicit experiences with the current program. The interpretative phenomenology using Penchansky’s and Thomas’ concept of access will be used to analyze the interviews and focus group to assess which aspects PLSBC patients are challenged with in accessing the oral health care system.

Potential Results
Information from this project will help improve oral health care services and resources for PLWHA accordingly. This project will promote and sustain long-term collaboration between UBC DHDP and PLSBC.

Impact
This project seeks to acquire information on how the preventative oral health program had impacted access to oral health services for PLWHA.

CFDHRE Peer Reviewed Grant

Project Title:

Evaluation of a dental hygiene community outreach program for women with a history of incarceration

Lead Principal Applicant

Dr. Leeann Donnelly
Title: Assistant Professor
Organization: University of British Columbia

Principal Applicant:

Ms. Kathleen Herlick
Title: Graduate Student
Organization: University of British Columbia

Award

$9,990.74

Abstract

Problem Statement
OThe Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry) is a non-profit organization that provides gender-specific support to women and their families impacted by the criminal justice system. Since women are underrepresented in prisons for violent crimes, there is less post-release support services for them compared to men, and there is thus a specific need to focus on the health and well-being of women and girls affected by the justice system. An oral health needs assessment conducted in 2014 with the EFry staff and clients resulted in the development of a weekly preventive oral care program in collaboration with the Dental Hygiene Degree Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). For the past three years, fourth year dental hygiene students from UBC have provided dental hygiene services to over 100 women, youth, and children. A formal evaluation of the current program at EFry is now necessary to assess the intended outcomes of the initiative.

Purpose
This project aims to evaluate the current dental hygiene program at EFry and determine if and how the oral health needs of the clients and EFry have been met. Findings will be used to help inform a more comprehensive dental program in collaboration with UBC and EFry, which will continue to provide dental services for clients of EFry.

Methods
A retrospective dental chart review will be conducted to gather information about client demographics, general and oral health status, attendance behaviour, and services provided. A review of client satisfaction surveys will be conducted to explore the clients’ degree of satisfaction with the program and suggestions for improvement. Three focus groups will be conducted with a subset of the clients who have received services and one focus group will be conducted with EFry staff to explore perceptions of the utility and acceptability of the program.

Potential Results/Impact
An evaluation of the current dental hygiene program will provide information to help inform the development and implementation of the prospective and more comprehensive dental program to best meet the oral health needs of the clients and needs of EFry.