INTRODUCTION:
In partnership with the
Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN) in
Manitoba,
Canada, this study developed a framework based on how Indigenous
parents/
caregivers of young
children and
community-based
oral health decision-makers perceive 'quality of preventive
oral health services'.
METHODS:
Concept mapping was used to develop the 'quality of preventive
oral health services' framework. This involved brainstorming/idea generation, sorting and rating, visual representation, and interpretation sessions with
parents/
caregivers (CG) and
decision-makers (DM) in
Norway House,
Manitoba. Using the Concept System's GlobalMax
software, a conceptual framework was created that was modified from input from CG and DM groups, which can be visualized through the concept map.
RESULTS:
The final concept map revealed seven domains of quality preventive
oral health services
dental staff character and skills, working with
community, responsibilities in preventive
education, inclusive preventive
oral health strategies, accessibility to
appointments,
logistics of providing services, and dental
environment.
CONCLUSION:
This study provides insight into the existing gap in
oral health services for Indigenous populations. Based on conversations and the concept mapping process, the developed framework can inform the steps to be taken to improve preventive
oral health services for
Indigenous peoples. The framework has been used to develop a quantitative scale to inform sustainable and impactful change in the quality of preventive
oral health services that are meaningful to
Indigenous peoples.