A qualitative analysis of dental professionals\u2019 beliefs and concerns about providing aerosol generating procedures early in the COVID-19 pandemic

Matthew Cousins,Kajal Patel,Linda Young,Mariana Araujo,Jennifer Knights,Claire Scott,Laura Beaton,Douglas Stirling

doi:10.1038/s41405-022-00094-9

Matthew Cousins, Kajal Patel + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41405-022-00094-9

Copy DOI

Journal: BDJ Open	Publication Date: Jan 14, 2022
Citations: 3	License type: open-access

Affiliation: NHS Tayside, NHS Education for Scotland

Abstract

IntroductionIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) initiated a rapid review of the evidence related to the generation and mitigation of aerosols in dental practice. To support this review, a survey was distributed to better understand the provision of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) in dentistry.MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed to dental professionals asking about their current practice and beliefs about AGPs. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsAnalysis revealed confusion and uncertainty regarding mitigation of AGPs. There was also frustration and scepticism over the risk of SARS-COV-2 transmission within dental settings, the evidence underpinning the restrictions and the leadership and guidance being provided, as well as concern over financial implications and patient and staff safety.DiscussionThe frustration and concerns expressed by respondents mirrored findings from other recent studies and suggest there is a need for reflection within the profession so that lessons can be learned to better support staff and patients.ConclusionUnderstanding the profession’s views about AGP provision contributed to the SDCEP rapid review and provides insights to help inform policymakers and leaders in anticipation not only of future pandemics but in considering the success of any large scale and/or rapid organisational change.

Highlights

2, Douglas Stirling2, Linda Young2 and INTRODUCTION: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) initiated a rapid review of the evidence related to the generation and mitigation of aerosols in dental practice
Of particular concern in dentistry was the ramifications of the pandemic for the provision of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) [3]
On 7 August 2020, a Chief Dental Officers (CDOs) Scotland letter advised that some dental practices would be able to ‘opt-in’ to providing a limited range of AGPs to registered NHS patients in need of urgent care from 17 August [3]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) initiated a rapid review of the evidence related to the generation and mitigation of aerosols in dental practice. To inform future policy and the development of guidance for the re-instatement of AGPs within general dental practice, in July 2020 National Services Scotland released a rapid literature review of the available evidence, providing ‘a critical appraisal of the fundamental requirements for ventilation as a control strategy along with other mitigating requirements and the modelling of AGPs with reference to the site and surrounding area’ [4]. On 7 August 2020, a CDO Scotland letter advised that some dental practices would be able to ‘opt-in’ to providing a limited range of AGPs to registered NHS patients in need of urgent care from 17 August [3]. There has been little to absent guidance on how to quantify air change’ (GDS Dentist)

METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION