Department for Employment and Learning

BackgroundThe term peer researcher describes the role of a person who has similar characteristics and can identify with the participant group in a research study. This paper describes the methodological approach and experiences of older people who were peer researchers on a study that explored the lived experience of people with dementia who lived in technology‐enriched housing.MethodsNine people responded to a public recruitment campaign through nongovernment organisations using multiple methods such as seniors' forums, development officers and social media. Mandatory training across 2 days was provided and seven peer researchers successfully completed the training. A total of 22 interviews were undertaken by the seven peer researchers. The data collected from the training feedback proforma (N = 7), interview debrief forms (N = 22) and final evaluation forms (N = 5) were analysed using content analysis and triangulated.ResultsFive core themes emerged from the data using a content analysis approach to examine the peer researchers' experience: (1) skill development; (2) recognition of competencies; (3) connection; (4) supplementary information; and (5) the triad dynamic.ConclusionsConsiderations to enhance the peer researcher experience emerged including enhanced communication training, consideration of the optimum number of peer researchers to balance workload and identification of the characteristics that enable people to connect as peer researchers. Future research should consider the impact that experiential skill development has on the data collected.Public ContributionOlder people conducted qualitative interviews as peer researchers with people living with dementia to cocreate knowledge.

English summary Norwegian dentists´ attitudes and methods in treatment of deep caries lesions 80-7 The aims of this study were to investigate attitudes towards excavation endpoint and leaving carious dentine under the restoration, preferred materials, instruments and management methods for deep carious lesion and carious exposure among general dental practitioners in Norway. Also, to find any association between management method and background characteristics. A questionnaire was sent to a simple random sample (n = 589) of Norwegian dentists. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and binary logistic regression were used for the statistical analyses. Out of the 589 questionnaires sent 295 (50 %) responses were received, of which 96 were excluded. In total 199 (33.8 %) questionnaires were analysed. There was an over-representation of publicly employed dentists. Most respondents (130, 69 %) preferred to excavate the cavity until it feels hard, since most of them (125, 62,8 %) believe that cariogenic microorganisms must be removed as otherwise carious lesion might progress under a restoration. The majority (167, 84,3 %) preferred stepwise excavation in a young adult patient. Dentists' perception about the detrimental role of bacteria left under a restoration might lead to the over-excavation of the pulpal wall during the second step of stepwise excavation, which may increase the risk for pulpal exposure. The preference of stepwise excavation associated with graduation from Norway (OR=3,3, 95 % CI 1,3 - 8,0). When carious exposure, the majority preferred direct pulp capping (135, 68 %). Direct pulp capping associated with reading scientific articles (OR=2,8, 95 % CI 1,3 - 6,2). Stepwise excavation seems to be the prevailing management option among Norwegian dentists. The dental program is likely to be the most important factor for management preferences; therefore, study programs should be constantly re-evaluated according to new evidence. Scientific articles also appear to have an influence on management preferences, therefore there is a need for higher number of scientific publications.