Work

Oral potentially malignant disorders: Challenges for patient participation due to opacity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Opacity – or the lack of transparency - impacts patients' ability to participate in and contribute to decision-making. This contribution examines how opacity affects patient engagement in the context of oral potentially malignant disorders. The discussion focuses on three key areas: the effects of unclear disease classifications on patient perceptions of their health; the ways in which ambiguous healthcare pathways create barriers for both patients and providers; and the broader impact of opacity on patient autonomy. The conclusion explores strategies to reduce or mitigate these challenges, including fostering epistemic networks for patients and healthcare providers and embracing the value of humility in care work. • Unclear disease classifications leave patients uncertain about their health status • Complex healthcare pathways delay diagnosis and patients feel lost in the system • Interdisciplinary networks can enhance transparency and improve care quality • Humility fosters shared decision-making and patient-centered care

Source: Oral Oncology Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.oor.2025.100731

Author: Brenda Bogaert

Institutions: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne

Language: English

Topic: Oral Health Pathology and Treatment

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,100