Typologies of difficulties in palliative care and oral health in Uruguay: cluster analysis

Abstract

Objective:To analyze the difficulties perceived by adult palliative care professionals in Uruguay and to identify response typologies linked to clinical management and vulnerability in oral health.

Methods:This was a cross-sectional, exploratory, and quantitative study of national scope. The LimeSurvey platform was used to administer the survey to professionals working in adult palliative care hospital settings during 2023. Cluster analysis was performed on 108 valid responses for two sets of items: vulnerability in oral health and general difficulties in palliative care.

Results: Four typologies were identified in oral health vulnerability (n=36, 28, 24, and 20), with varying degrees of severity according to programmatic barriers, knowledge about oral health problems, communication, and social dimension. Three typologies were identified in palliative care (n=21, 40, and 47): a higher perception of difficulties, especially in training, expert advice, interprofessional communication, and home care; a low perception of difficulties; and an intermediate level. Comparison between groups showed heterogeneity of responses and the absence of a single pattern between oral vulnerability and general difficulties.

Conclusions: Cluster analysis revealed distinct profiles not observed in the overall descriptive analysis. These findings inform training strategies, expert advice, and dental care coordination within palliative care.