Identification of Important and Relevant Functioning-Based Outcomes for Persons With an Oral Health Condition From the Patient's Perspective.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the most important and relevant aspects of functioning related to oral health from the patient's perspective.

Materials and methods: In this multicenter cross-sectional qualitative study, focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Adults age 18 years or older with an oral health condition, such as caries, periodontal disease, cancer of the oral cavity or lips, were included. The content of the focus groups and interviews was recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis, that is, patterns in the data were identified and broken down into meaningful concepts, which in turn were linked to the most precise categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Focus groups and interviews were analysed until saturation was reached.

Results: Statements of 36 participants were included in the analysis. Saturation was reached after analysing five focus groups and 3 interviews, 1213 meaningful concepts were identified and subsequently linked to 150 ICF categories (51 in the Body Functions component, 39 in Activities and Participation, 16 Body Structures, 44 in Environmental Factors) and 102 Personal Factors. Thirty-four concepts were not covered by the ICF and 49 were non-definable concepts. The results of one focus group comprising of young health professionals are displayed separately.

Conclusion: Functioning-based outcomes for persons with an oral health condition were identified in every component of the ICF, indicating that oral health conditions affect different aspects of an individual's everyday life.