Utjecaj znanja i iskustva liječnika dentalne medicine na pružanje usluga djeci s dijagnozom poremećaja iz spektra autizma

postgraduate specialist thesis

• Author: Danijela Budimir Čirjak
• Mentor: Jasmina Stošić (mentor)
• Committee member: Natalija Lisak Šegota (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Jasmina Stošić (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Maja Laklija (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences; Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2025-03-27, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: SOCIAL SCIENCES; Education/Rehabilitation Sciences

Abstract

Poremećaj iz spektra autizma (PSA) je neurorazvojno stanje koje značajno utječe na socijalnu interakciju, komunikaciju i ponašanje pojedinca. Djeca s dijagnozom PSA često se suočavaju s izazovima u pristupu stomatološkoj skrbi, pri čemu ključne prepreke uključuju senzornu osjetljivost, teškoće u komunikaciji te nedostatak specijaliziranog znanja i iskustva među liječnicima dentalne medicine.
Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati u kojoj mjeri znanja i iskustva liječnika dentalne medicine utječu na kvalitetu i dostupnost stomatoloških usluga za djecu s dijagnozom PSA u Republici Hrvatskoj te identificirati ključne čimbenike za unaprjeđenje dentalne skrbi u ovoj populaciji. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 208 liječnika dentalne medicine putem anonimnog upitnika, a podaci su analizirani kvantitativnim metodama.
Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da većina liječnika dentalne medicine nije stekla dovoljno znanja o PSA tijekom formalnog obrazovanja, no izražava visoku motivaciju za dodatnim edukacijama. Liječnici s iskustvom rada s djecom s dijagnozom PSA pokazuju višu razinu samopouzdanja i kompetencija u pružanju prilagođenih usluga u odnosu na one bez takvog iskustva. Kao glavne prepreke u radu istaknuti su nedostatak vremena i resursa, ograničene mogućnosti prilagodbe stomatoloških ordinacija te izazovi u komunikaciji s djecom.
Dobiveni rezultati upućuju na potrebu unapređenja obrazovnih programa, sustavne edukacije o strategijama prilagodbe i komunikacije s djecom s dijagnozom PSA te poboljšanja infrastrukturnih uvjeta u ordinacijama dentalne medicine. Multidisciplinarni pristup i suradnja između zdravstvenih djelatnika, roditelja i stručnjaka iz područja edukacijske rehabilitacije ključni su za osiguravanje dostupne, kvalitetne i učinkovite stomatološke skrbi za djecu s dijagnozom PSA.

Abstract (english)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affects an individual's social interaction, communication and behavior. Children with ASD often face challenges accessing dental care, with barriers including sensory sensitivity, communication difficulties and a lack of specialized knowledge and experience among dental practitioners.
The aim of this research was to examine to what extent the knowledge and experience of dental doctors influence the quality and availability of dental services for children with ASD in the Republic of Croatia and to identify key factors for improving dental care in this population. The research was conducted on a sample of 208 dentists through an anonymous questionnaire, and the data was analyzed using quantitative methods.
The results of the research show that most dentists did not acquire sufficient knowledge about ASD during their formal education; however, they did express a high motivation for additional education. Doctors who have experience working with children on the autism spectrum show a higher level of self-confidence and competence in providing customized services compared to those without such experience. The lack of time and resources, the limited possibilities of adapting dental practices and challenges in communicating with children were highlighted as the main obstacles in providing dental care.
The obtained results indicate the need to improve educational programs, implement systematic education of strategies for adaptation and communication with children with ASD, and improvement of infrastructural conditions in dental practices. A multidisciplinary approach and cooperation between health professionals, parents and experts in the field of educational rehabilitation are key to ensuring accessible, high-quality and effective dental care for children with ASD.

• Keywords: poremećaj iz spektra autizma; stomatološka skrb; liječnici dentalne medicine; edukacija; senzorne prilagodbe; pristup zdravstvenim uslugama
• Keywords (english): autism spectrum disorder; dental care; dentists; education; sensory adaptations; access to health services
• Language: croatian
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:158:844475
• Study programme: Title: University specialist study Early Intervention in Educational Rehabilitation; Study programme type: university; Study level: postgraduate specialist; Academic / professional title: sveučilinišni specijalist/specijalistica rane intervencije u edukacijskoj rehabilitaciji (sveučilinišni specijalist/specijalistica rane intervencije u edukacijskoj rehabilitaciji)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2025-04-25 10:19:20