Integrated Oral Healthcare Model for Dependent Older Adults
An Experience-Based Co-Design Approach
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21750675 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chanapol Kraitroudpol (0009-0002-5550-6634, Beijing Municipal Health Commission), Narumanas Korwanich (0000-0003-3251-5394, Chiang Mai University), Kanyarat Korwanich (0000-0002-9112-6797, Chiang Mai University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 10 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-19 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Integrated Care (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1568-4156 • E-ISSN: 1568-4156 |
| Publisher | Ubiquity Press, Ltd. (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.5334/ijic.9275 |
| PMID | 42179870 |
| OpenAlex | W7161631612 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 10 |
Objective: To co-develop a stakeholder-informed oral healthcare model for dependent older adults that can be integrated into Thailand’s existing Community-Based Long-Term Care (CBLTC) system using an Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) approach. Materials and Methods: A Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach was employed using Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD). The process involved five iterative steps: baseline assessment, in-depth interviews, stakeholder-specific focus group discussions, a joint co-design session, and validation of the model. Participants included dependent older adults, formal and informal caregivers, family care teams, local authorities, and private-sector actors (N = 22). Data were collected through qualitative methods and analysed using inductive content analysis to derive the model components and assess stakeholder consensus. Results: The findings revealed a critical gap in oral healthcare within the current CBLTC framework, despite existing coordination across medical and social care. Participants identified barriers such as a lack of trained personnel, inadequate referral systems, and insufficient caregiver capacity. Through a structured co-design process, a community-specific oral healthcare model was developed. The model defines stakeholder roles, referral pathways, and action plans for implementation. Conclusion: The co-designed model offers a practical, equity-driven solution to a long-standing gap in Thailand’s long-term care landscape. By embedding oral healthcare into the existing CBLTC infrastructure, the model elevates oral health as a critical component of holistic ageing care. Although further implementation and evaluation are required, this framework sets a precedent for inclusive, community-informed innovation that may inspire broader policy adoption and system-wide integration
Action research · Citizen journalism · Focus group · Health care · Integrated care · Participatory action research · Qualitative research · Referral · Stakeholder · Dental Health and Care Utilization · Health, psychology, and well-being · Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
| Highly cited | No |
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