The perceived acceptability of the DEPPA patient assessment tool: A questionnaire survey of Denplan Excel patients

Key Points Discusses the Denplan Previser Patient Assessment (DEPPA) tool which is designed to provide patients with information on their future risk of dental and oral disease. Reports on a study which determined that dental practitioners found the tool acceptable, and a useful way to improve communication with patients. Suggests that the DEPPA tool is an acceptable way to present patients with information on their risk of oral disease. Aim To establish the perceived acceptability of the use of the Denplan/Previser Patient Assessment tool (DEPPA) by patients. The secondary aim was to examine dental practitioners' views about the effects of a DEPPA consultation on patients' future oral health behaviours. Method Two questionnaire surveys: 365 patients attending general dental practice, who had been assessed using the DEPPA software; 12 dental practitioners who had completed a DEPPA assessment on the patients. Participants (both patients and GDPs) completed the Treatment Evaluation Inventory (TEI) to ascertain their views of the DEPPA assessment. Findings The overall mean for the Treatment Evaluation Instrument for the patients was 23.81 (SD 5.08), and for GDPs 23.81 (SD 2.99). Conclusion Participants expressed a high level of acceptability of the DEPPA tool. In particular, the tool is seen as enhancing the relationship between the patient and practitioner and providing information to support behaviour change.