Priority of Prosthodontic Need Assessment: Functional vs Other Quality of Life Needs – A Quality of Life Assessment Using APS-ARG QOL(DS) – A Pilot Project

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Restoration of functional ability is the topmost priority on the mind of a prosthodontist, however, functional restoration alone does not fulfil the treatment needs of a patient. Material & Method A 20-item scale for understanding quality of life related to prosthodontic treatment needs was tested for internal consistency and usefulness in understanding the priorities of treatment needs of patients. The scale was administered to 30 patients, mostly in the elderly age group (Mean age 59.43±10.28 years) seeking prosthodontic rehabilitation at Chandra Dental College and Hospital, Barabanki (U.P.), India. On testing the internal consistency of the scale, it was found to be reliable (Cronbach alpha 0.711). Result Though functional needs emerged as the topmost priority for patients yet emotional needs were found to be as much important while social needs and financial needs occupied the lower tiers on the hierarchy of treatment needs. The differences in relative importance of different dimensions were well explained and were found to be logical. Conclusion The scale was found to be a useful utility in quantification of prosthodontic need and in order to understand the prosthodontic need beyond considerations of fulfilment of functional disability alone.