Counselling for patients with a temporomandibular disorder: A scoping review and concept analysis

Abstract

BackgroundAn integral component of comprehensive temporomandibular disorder (TMD) treatment involves what is commonly referred to in literature as patient counselling or patient education. Despite its importance, a clear definition of the concept is lacking.ObjectivesTo describe the concept of counselling (i.e. what is it, what should it consist of, and when should it be given) through a concept analysis of the literature.Eligibility CriteriaAll papers that include a description of counselling or education for TMD are included.Sources of EvidenceLiterature searches were performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Cinahl, and PsycInfo.Charting MethodsA qualitative analysis was done using the principle‐based concept analysis approach, where descriptions of counselling from the included papers were analysed by the researchers.ResultsA total of 71 articles were included. Based on the qualitative analysis of the included articles and descriptions of counselling, the following content themes were identified: (1) general information on TMD; (2) overuse of the masticatory system; (3) posture education; (4) lifestyle and psychosocial factors; (5) exercise‐ and thermotherapy; and (6) additional information and therapies.ConclusionsA definition and framework of counselling for TMD has been provided, which can be used in the clinic, research, and educational programs.