Key Points
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Electronic data logging verified the level of compliance with toothbrushing regimens.
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Large differences were observed between recorded (electronic loggers) and reported (diaries) levels of compliance.
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Clinicians should always take account of issues of compliance relating to the success or failure of any clinical intervention or therapy.
Abstract
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.
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Acknowledgements
This study was undertaken in collaboration with, and as part of a PhD project sponsored by Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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McCracken, G., Janssen, J., Heasman, L. et al. Assessing adherence with toothbrushing instructions using a data logger toothbrush. Br Dent J 198, 29–32 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811954
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811954
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