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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Giles McCrackenORCiD, Lynne Heasman, Dr Nick Steen, Professor Peter Heasman
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Objectives: To evaluate patient compliance with toothbrushing instructions using a data logger and a brushing diary. Methods: Dental patients were provided with powered toothbrushes modified to carry electronic data loggers. Demonstration of the most effective way to use the toothbrush was provided with instructions to brush for 2 minutes morning and evening. Data logger brushes were supplied for two episodes of 8 weeks. Brushing time was also recorded in a diary during episode 1. Results: Data from 14 brushes (2,287 recordings) were used to evaluate compliance in episode 1. Nine brushes (1,526 recordings) were used in episode 2. A total of 2,333 brushing events were reported manually in the diaries. Data logger records during episode 1 showed that only 34% of events were compliant with the instruction of a 2 minute brushing time, 20% were partially compliant (within ±30s of 2 minutes), and 46% of events were non-compliant (>30s from 2 minutes). The respective proportions for episode 2 were 24%, 24% and 52%. Diary data reported 58% of events as compliant with 42% non-compliant. Conclusions: Manually completed brushing diaries do not provide an accurate reflection of subjects' compliance with toothbrushing instructions.
Author(s): McCracken G, Janssen J, Heasman L, Stacey F, Steen N, DeJager M, Heasman P
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Dental Journal
Year: 2005
Volume: 198
Issue: 1
Pages: 29-32
Print publication date: 08/01/2005
ISSN (print): 0007-0610
ISSN (electronic): 1476-5373
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811954
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4811954
PubMed id: 15716890
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