Other
Armine Martirosian, DDS
Pediatric Dental Resident
New York University, New York, NY
New York University
New York, New York, United States
Lauren M. Feldman, DMD, MPH
Postdoctoral Program Director
New York University College of Dentistry
New York, New York, United States
Lauren M. Feldman, DMD, MPH
Postdoctoral Program Director
New York University College of Dentistry
New York, New York, United States
Objectives: A social work intern (SWI) was placed in an academic pediatric dental clinic at NYU College of Dentistry (NYUCD) to address barriers to care and complex treatment needs with the goal of increased patient utilization of dental care. This study investigated the fidelity of the SWI intervention.
Methods: SWI placement was evaluated using the treatment fidelity criteria developed by Dane and Schneider (1998). The SWI calendar, log of interactions, a semi-structured exit interview, and self reports were analyzed for: adherence, exposure, quality of delivery, participant responsiveness, and program differentiation.
Results: Two hundred two patients had an interaction logged with the social work intern; of these, 34 were referred from NYUCD and 168 from community outreach programs. Rationale for referral and frequency of referral did not meet intervention expectations (adherence, exposure). Quality of delivery was moderately met with time as leader preparedness improved. Levels of participation did not meet intervention expectations as referrals were low (participant responsiveness), impacting the ability to appropriately evaluate program differentiation.
Conclusions: This intervention did not have strong fidelity per Dane & Schneider (1998) criteria. Opportunities for improvement were identified for subsequent SWI placements.