Systematic review of patients’ experience with temporomandibular disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of common conditions that can have significant detrimental impact on patients functional, emotional and social wellbeing. The aim of this systematic review is to collate and summarise the literature reporting patients’ experience of TMD. This helps put the condition into the context of the patient themselves and their interaction with healthcare professionals. The study was completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed on 1 December 2023 using following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsychInfo (American Psychological Associated) and the Cochrane Library. Of these 439 articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria for the review. It was a heterogenous sample with relatively poor methodological quality. The cohorts ranged from nine to 44; totalling 280 participants. Two key themes and six subthemes illustrate the experience of patients with TMD: Impact (Physical, Psychological) and Coping (Understanding the disease, Experience of healthcare professionals, Seeking treatment, Adapting behaviours). Clinical care needs to reflect the experience of patients with better explanation of the condition, access to services and support. Further research should explore how to address patients’ concerns more effectively. One method might be through the development of a PCI-TMD.