Patients' Acceptability of Computer-Based Information on Hypodontia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES

To compare patients' acceptability of a hypodontia-specific interactive computer-based education material (ICB-EM) versus a British Orthodontic Society (BOS) hypodontia leaflet.

TRIAL

DESIGN

Two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial, 1:1 allocation ratio.

METHODS

The study was conducted at a specialized secondary care facility in the Greater London area. Ninety-six new hypodontia patients aged 14 y and older were randomly assigned to the control group ( n = 49) receiving the BOS leaflet or the intervention group ( n = 47) receiving the ICB-EM. The main outcome measure was patients' evaluation of the intervention measured by the treatment evaluation inventory.

RESULTS

The analyzed sample comprised 76 participants: control group ( n = 38) and intervention group ( n = 38). The mean age of the sample was 19 y (SD = 7.24) and 20.3 y (SD = 6.9) for the control and intervention group, respectively. The intervention group was significantly more satisfied with the ICB-EM than individuals who received the BOS leaflet ( t = -3.53, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients preferred the computer-based information.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Patients attending dental care in the 21st century are adept in the use of computerised facilities for obtaining information. The results of the study will provide valuable evidence for clinicians on the level of acceptability of the patients toward interactive computer based health education as opposed to traditional paper leaflets.