A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to inclusion of dentistry in a regional shared health care record

Objectives: To explore stakeholders' perceived barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of dental services in the Great North Care Record (GNCR) by identifying the stakeholders, exploring their perspectives and using the findings to inform integration of dental services in GNCR.

Methods: Qualitative online interview study with inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Twelve stakeholders identified through purposive sampling participated. Five key themes were identified: information accuracy, efficiency, safety and security, value of records and optimal GNCR design. Inclusion of dentistry in GNCR was favoured to improve information accuracy and efficiency. However, participants raised concerns about how information accessed would be handled safely and worries about intraprofessional criticism within dentistry. Others saw a real value in including dentistry in the GNCR.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates support for the inclusion of primary care dentistry in the GNCR, provided that the data are used responsibly, and that the system aids information safety and efficiency.