Price County Dental Services Impact Analysis: Quality of Care and Quality of Life in Northern Wisconsin

Abstract

Problem Statement: An examination of epidemiologic data from the partnership between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin-Population Health Institute (UWPHI) consistently ranked the studied service county in the lower quartile of the state for both Quality of Care (QoC) and Quality of Life (QoL) measures. Researchers determined QoL might be more accurately measured using a satisfaction survey. Families were asked about their perceptions of care received and if their QoL was impacted. Purpose: The purpose of this follow-up study was to identify how families served through county-based health programs felt about the QoC received, and how QoL was impacted. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used. An electronic survey was sent to a convenience sample of families with children receiving care (n=108). The survey consisted of 25 closed-ended questions using a four-point Likert scale. Satisfaction survey questions had previously established content validity and reliability. Informed consent was obtained after IRB approval (UWSP-expedited 3242014) before survey administration. Responses were de-identified and kept confidential. Descriptive statistics were used to report the data. Results: A response rate of 27.2% (n=30) was obtained. Overall satisfaction with the public health facility received ratings of either excellent (43%) or good (57%).  Of the 30 participants, 29 reported families’ dental needs were addressed with either an excellent (63%) or good (37%) overall quality rating. Overall, family members reported complete satisfaction with the care received, and the QoL was positively influenced (100%). Conclusions: Data documented families in county-based programs were satisfied with the QoC received and reported that QoL in comparison to state and national epidemiologic data.