AUTHOR=Li Qing , Wu Ruihan , Du Chen , Miao Qifeng 

TITLE=Impact of continuity of care under the model of healthcare integration on treatment outcomes and prognostic recovery of orthodontic patients

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1632725

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1632725

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Malocclusion is one of the most serious oral problems following dental caries and periodontal disease. Although orthodontic treatment can effectively improve these problems, improper care often leads to poor orthodontic results or complications such as gingivitis. This is because the treatment period is long. Based on this, this study aimed to investigate the effect of continuity of care under the integrated model of health care on the treatment efficacy and prognosis of orthodontic patients. This study used a randomized controlled design. From June 2022 to December 2022, 68 patients who received orthodontic treatment in our hospital were selected as the control group, and from January 2023 to May 2023, 68 patients were selected as the intervention group. The control group received routine care, while the intervention group received continuity of care under the integrated care model, including the establishment of an integrated care team, training team members, psychological care, dietary care, oral care, health education and regular follow-up. The results of the study showed that the plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI) of the intervention group were significantly better than those of the control group. The incidence of complications in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group. In addition, compared with the control group, the intervention group also showed significant improvement in self-management ability, compliance and psychological health. The nursing satisfaction of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group. In conclusion, continuity of care under the model of healthcare integration can significantly improve the periodontal health status of orthodontic patients, enhance their self-management ability and psychological health, reduce the occurrence of complications, and increase nursing satisfaction.