澳大利亚远程牙科的利用：系统评价和荟萃分析。

The utilisation of teledentistry in Australia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

机构信息

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Crawley, Australia.

International Research Collaborative - Oral Health and Equity, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Crawley, Australia; School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.

出版信息

J Dent. 2024 Oct;149:105265. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105265. Epub 2024 Jul 24.

DOI:10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105265

PMID:39059707

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Teledentistry is the usage of information-based technologies to deliver healthcare services remotely. It is used to deliver care in regional, rural and remote regions and was particularly useful to deliver care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine teledentistry utilisation in Australia.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from inception to June-2024. The phrases "Dental" AND "Telehealth" AND "Australia" and "Teledentistry" AND "Australia" were used. Two authors completed the study selection and data extraction. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools were used to assess quality and bias.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria. There were six diagnostic tests, six cross-sectional studies, 4 economic evaluations, one qualitative study and one expert opinion. Teledentistry was accurate for screening caries (average sensitivity=69.7 %, average specificity=97.4 %). There also appeared to be a non-significant negative correlation between specificity and sensitivity (r = 0.432). Opinions regarding teledentistry were mixed from clinicians but positive from patients. Teledentistry may also lead to savings for patients and healthcare providers.

CONCLUSION

Teledentistry increases healthcare access especially for people in regional, rural and remote areas. It is an effective screening tool for caries. Whilst the opinions of clinicians were mixed, potential implementation barriers were identified which could improve opinions of clinicians and increase implementation.

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

This study demonstrates teledentistry as a satisfactory tool for screening caries. This could be beneficial to those with difficulties visiting dentists in-person, particularly if they live in regional, rural or remote areas.

摘要

背景

远程牙科是指使用基于信息的技术远程提供医疗保健服务。它用于在区域、农村和偏远地区提供护理，在 COVID-19 大流行期间尤其有用。

目的

本系统评价和荟萃分析旨在确定澳大利亚远程牙科的使用情况。

方法

从创建到 2024 年 6 月，在 PubMed、Google Scholar、EMBASE 和 Web of Science 数据库中搜索了“Dental”和“Telehealth”和“Australia”和“Teledentistry”和“Australia”的短语。两名作者完成了研究选择和数据提取。使用 Joanna Briggs 研究所的批判性评估工具评估质量和偏倚。

结果

有 18 篇文章符合纳入标准。其中有 6 项诊断测试、6 项横断面研究、4 项经济评估、1 项定性研究和 1 项专家意见。远程牙科在龋齿筛查方面是准确的（平均敏感性=69.7%，平均特异性=97.4%）。特异性和敏感性之间似乎也存在非显著负相关（r=0.432）。临床医生对远程牙科的看法喜忧参半，但患者的看法是积极的。远程牙科也可能为患者和医疗保健提供者节省费用。