Efficacy of Educational Interventions Targeting Primary Care Providers' Practice Behaviors: an Overview of Published Systematic Reviews

  1. Woosung Sohn DDS, PhD, DrPH*,
  2. Amid I. Ismail BDS, MPH, DrPH,
  3. Marisol Tellez BDS, MPH

Article first published online: 1 MAY 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02747.x

Issue

Journal of Public Health Dentistry

Journal of Public Health Dentistry

Volume 64, Issue 3, pages 164–172, September 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Sohn, W., Ismail, A. I. and Tellez, M. (2004), Efficacy of Educational Interventions Targeting Primary Care Providers' Practice Behaviors: an Overview of Published Systematic Reviews. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 64: 164–172. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02747.x

Author Information

  1. Dr. Woosung Sohn, Department CRS&E, School of Dentistry D2516, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109–1078. E-mail: woosung@umich.edu. Dr. Ismail is with the School of Dentistry and Dr. Tellez is a doctoral student in the School of Public Health, both at the University of Michigan.

*Send correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Woosung Sohn, Department CRS&E, School of Dentistry D2516, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109–1078. E-mail: woosung@umich.edu.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 1 MAY 2007
  2. Article first published online: 1 MAY 2007
  3. Manuscript received: 6/17/03; returned to authors for revision: 7/9/03; final version accepted for publication: 11/25/03.

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

Get PDF (997K)

Keywords:

  • systematic review;
  • educational intervention;
  • primary care providers;
  • oral health screening

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Primary care providers (e.g., family physicians, pediatricians, registered nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) could play a pivotal role in the provision of preventive services, especially for very young children (younger than 3 years old) and population groups with limited access to dental care. Given the current problems with access to dental care among low-income Americans, we contend there is a need to involve nondental primary health care providers in screening for and preventing oral health problems. The objective of this overview is to present findings from systematic reviews on the efficacy of continuing medical education, printed educational material, academic outreach, reminders, and local opinion leaders on the adoption of new knowledge and practices by primary care providers. Methods: A search was conducted using the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE. The search aimed to locate systematic reviews published between January 1988 and March 2003. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using a modified version of the QUOROM statement. Results: Eleven systematic reviews were included in this overview. The evidence from the included systematic reviews showed that formal continuing medical education (CME) and distributing educational materials did not effectively change primary care providers' behaviors. There are effective interventions available to increase knowledge and change behaviors of primary care providers, such as small group discussion, interactive workshops, educational outreach visits, and reminders. Conclusion: There is a limited knowledge base on the efficacy of the selected interventions on oral health screening by primary care providers. Considering the potential role of primary care providers in improving oral health of underserved populations, this research area should receive more attention.

Get PDF (997K)