Presentations 2020: Ortho&Paeds

384 - An audit of referral of paediatric oncology patients for dental assessments

R Shivam EJ Hingston
Presented by: Rachael Shivam
Cardiff Dental Hospital

Aim: This audit assessed whether all oncology paediatric oncology patients were referred for a dental assessment after their medical diagnosis was made. Objectives: The objectives were to a) assess the quality of the referrals made and b) improve the number and timeliness of referral of oncology patients for dental assessments. Methods: A list of children who had received cancer diagnoses between November 2018 and October 2019 was obtained. Using this list, the number of patients with matching dental records was determined, indicating that they had been seen for dental assessments. A pro forma was created to collect data that would enable us to carry out a service evaluation of the referrals and dental assessments. The dental records were retrieved and analysed retrospectively using the pro forma. Results: Only a relatively small number of children with oncology diagnoses were referred for a dental assessment. Referrals were often incomplete and gave inadequate information on the medical management of the patient. Conclusion: The percentage of oncology patients being seen for dental assessments after diagnosis currently does not meet the set standard (100%). Further intervention is required to improve both the number and quality of referrals.
Consent Statement: There are no details on individual patients reported within the abstract.

Poster