141 A Human-Centered Design Approach to Develop Oral Health Nursing Interventions in Patients with a Psychotic Disorder 2 ELEMENTS Monica Background Monica is a 23-year-old nurse working in psychiatry. She lives alone in a large city in the northern Netherlands. Monica enjoys sports and plays tennis every day. Context Monica has been working in psychiatry for one year. She works five days per week in a clinic with patients diagnosed with serious mental illness. Monica does not prioritize continuing education or awareness regarding the latest developments in her field. She does not attend conferences focused on mental health. Oral care attitude and perspective According to Monica, oral health care is not a significant concern in her field. Monica stated that patients should go to the dentist or the dental hygienist for oral health care, but oral health and routine maintenance were not part of her education. Monica attends a dentist annually for check-ups and when she has any oral health issues. Main barriers for Monica Monica said that the MHNs were not concerned with maintaining and increasing oral care; psychological and psychiatric care are prioritized and, oral health was not included in patient treatment plans. She did not view it as necessary for treatment. Monica is not aware of the importance of oral care, the risk factors for oral diseases, or what information should be offered to patients. Monica said she was not interested in, nor did she need to be concerned with, the oral care of her patients. Monica’s needs Despite Monica’s current attitudes towards oral care, raising awareness concerning oral health and providing educational opportunities for MHNs, as well as providing easily shared methods for better oral health, may assist in shifting Monica’s view on oral health care and her role as a nurse. Suggestions for oral health interventions Not being aware of the importance of good oral care, Monica should receive training in oral care for nurses. Leaflets and posters with information for nurses and patients, as well as an oral care screening list, could provide opportunities for MHNs to educate and support patients in their oral care routines. Site conditions Monica has limited experience in psychiatry; therefore, integrating oral health care into general care and nursing education is crucial to increase awareness among MHNs at all levels. It should also be promoted by the organization. Peer consultation within the team is important in order to add maintaining and increasing oral health to the agenda. Figure 3. Persona Monica. “The focus of my work is on mental health care and vulnerabilities. I just want to do my thing.” Figure 3. Persona Monica. 5
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