Calache H, Martin R, Loton C, Taing M-W, Mc Namara K, Smith L, Christian B
Institute of Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
Aust Dent J. 2025 Jun;70(2):114-123. doi: 10.1111/adj.13054. Epub 2024 Dec 19.
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common yet severe problem, causing difficulty with eating, speaking, dental caries, and discomfort. Access issues to dental services, including cost and availability of dental practitioners, can delay timely diagnosis and management of dry mouth. Thus, there is a need for innovative approaches to manage xerostomia, involving non-dental primary care health practitioners.
METHODS/DESIGNS: This proof-of-concept study assessed the feasibility of a co-designed oral health education resource to enable pharmacists to support their clients in managing xerostomia. The co-design process involved input from consumers with lived experience and an expert advisory group. Ten community pharmacists then participated in a pilot programme to deliver oral health advice on dry mouth to their clients. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed the pharmacists' confidence, recommendations and knowledge on dry mouth.
Through the co-design process, several resources were developed, including an information guide for pharmacists, a flyer and a sticker for clients. Participating pharmacists had an increase in confidence, knowledge and ability to provide dry mouth management advice when supported by appropriate resources.
It is feasible for pharmacists to provide oral healthcare advice in a community pharmacy setting if they receive the right training, resources, and support.
口干症（口腔干燥）是一个常见但严重的问题，会导致进食、说话困难，引发龋齿和不适。获得牙科服务存在问题，包括牙科从业者的费用和可及性，这可能会延迟口干症的及时诊断和治疗。因此，需要创新方法来管理口干症，让非牙科初级保健从业者参与其中。
方法/设计：这项概念验证研究评估了共同设计的口腔健康教育资源的可行性，以使药剂师能够帮助其客户管理口干症。共同设计过程包括有实际经验的消费者和一个专家咨询小组的参与。然后，十名社区药剂师参与了一个试点项目，向他们的客户提供有关口干症的口腔健康建议。干预前后的调查评估了药剂师对口干症的信心、建议和知识。
通过共同设计过程，开发了几种资源，包括给药剂师的信息指南、给客户的传单和贴纸。在获得适当资源支持时，参与的药剂师在提供口干症管理建议方面的信心、知识和能力有所提高。
如果药剂师获得正确的培训、资源和支持，在社区药房环境中提供口腔保健建议是可行的。
