Challenges in oral health research for older adults

Abstract

Background: The high burden of chronic disease in older adults presents significant organisational and funding challenges to healthcare policymakers. However, it is a matter of debate whether research is informing oral healthcare policy at scale.

Objective: The objective of the study was to identify barriers to translation of research into oral healthcare policy and practice for older adults and suggest strategies to address these barriers.

Results: The effectiveness of current models of oral health care, particularly for vulnerable older adults with special needs, is not well established. Researchers need to engage more proactively with stakeholders such as policymakers and end-users from the study design phase. This is particularly relevant for research in residential care settings. Building a rapport and developing trust with these groups will enable researchers to align their research with the priorities of policymakers. The evidence-based care paradigm, which is underpinned by randomised clinical trials (RCTs), may not be practical in population oral health research involving older adults. Alternative methods should be considered to develop an evidence-informed paradigm for oral health care in older adults. Since the pandemic, there are opportunities to use electronic health record data and digital technology. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of tele-health in oral health of older adults.

Conclusion: Use of a wider range of co-designed studies rooted in the practicalities of "real world" health service delivery is recommended. This may address issues of concern to policymakers and stakeholders regarding oral health and increase the likelihood of translation of geriatric oral health research into oral healthcare policy and practice.

Keywords: Gerodontology; ethics; health policy; health services research; population oral health.