Perception of ‘Comprehensiveness of Care’: a qualitative study amongst dentists in the Brazilian Health System

Abstract

Comprehensiveness relates both to the scope of servicesoffered and to a holistic clinical approach. The aim of this studywas to identify the perception of Brazilian dentists regarding keyconcepts of comprehensiveness and its importance in primary healthcare oral health services performed in the public sector. Focus groupswere conducted to explore three main concepts, ‘patient welcoming’,‘bonding’ and ‘quality of care’, as well as their aspects. In total, therewere four focus groups comprising seven general dentists, all of whomhad at least two years of experience in primary care, from municipalitiesof varying sizes. Discussions of approximately 60 minutes wereconducted, audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analysedby qualitative thematic analysis, in line with the framework approach.The general dentists reported that they are aware that in the BrazilianHealth System, the onset of patient care by primary health careservices must happen through ‘patient welcoming.’ Nevertheless, theysuggested that this action is often performed poorly due to the largevolume of patients. Although they knew the importance of ‘bonding’,they realised that there is a lack of education preparing professionalsto address interpersonal and social issues. They were aware that‘quality of care’ is related to multiple factors. Comprehensiveness, as anapproach in dental public health practices, needs to be enhanced, andthere is evidence that primary care dentists are aware of the need forsuch an approach