Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Journal

Journal of Patient Safety

DOI

10.1097/PTS.0000000000001460

PMID

41572935

PMCID

PMC13277721

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-23-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background: The OWLL (Open-Wide Learning Lab) intervention was developed using Human-Centered Design to improve the quality and safety of pediatric dental sedation. The intervention includes a patient-facing informational sedation brochure and video, and an enhanced set of clinical sedation records. Here, we report on the process evaluation 6 months after implementation in daily clinical practice.

Methods: This study was conducted at the outpatient pediatric dental clinics of 2 large US academic dental institutions. We used a mixed-methods design to assess the fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the OWLL intervention. Quantitative data were gathered through chart reviews, while qualitative data were collected through surveys and interviews with providers and patients.

Results: During implementation, the intervention was used for 81 pediatric sedation patients across sites. Overall, the intervention was well-received by both clinicians and patients. Chart reviews indicated that sedation records were consistently utilized, though occasional gaps in data completeness were observed. Providers welcomed the intervention, finding it compatible with their daily routines and easy to use. However, some challenges were reported, primarily related to time constraints and the need to adjust clinical encounters for effective intervention integration. Parents appreciated the sedation brochure and video, describing them as a valuable and positive addition to the care process.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the intervention was used and is a welcomed addition, with the potential for broader application in clinical settings to further improve patient care. Future efforts should examine the intervention's impact on patient safety outcomes across diverse clinical settings.

Keywords

Humans, Child, Procedural Sedation, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Female, Anesthesia, Dental, Male, Child, Preschool, sedation, pediatric dentistry, quality of care, process evaluation

Published Open-Access

yes

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