Geriatric Oral Health Clinical Case #3

Mrs. B is a 78-year-old female with a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis. She takes several medications including hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril and meloxicam. Barbara visits her local pharmacist to refill her medications and tells the pharmacist, “my mouth feels dry and I have difficulty speaking and swallowing”.

What response from the pharmacist demonstrates effective interprofessional collaborative practice?

Two weeks following her medication adjustments, Mrs. B visits her patient-centered medical home and sees her primary care clinician. Before seeing her provider, she reports to the nurse that she is experiencing some relief for her dry mouth from ice chips and chewing sugar-free gum, but states, “I don’t socialize with my friends anymore because I still have trouble speaking and eating. I don’t know what foods to eat.” Additional questioning indicates Mrs. B is staying in bed for extended periods during the day and has developed significant depression.

What response from the primary care clinician demonstrates effective interprofessional collaborative practice?

One month later, Mrs. B presents to the patient-centered medical home for a follow-up visit. As her primary care clinician, you reinforce to Mrs. B the importance of meticulous oral hygiene for the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease and ask about her last dental visit. Because you had this discussion with Mrs. B when she first became your patient and again last month when she was having issues with dry mouth, she was very receptive to your advice about oral hygiene and health.

What should members of Mrs. B’s interprofessional team do to support collaborative practice and team effectiveness?