The Social Intelligence Self-care Conceptual Model

Abstract

Purpose Person-centered care focuses on the whole person as a unique individual whose perspective, as well as their family’s perspective, is integrated into the provision of care. The purpose of this study was to describe the perspectives of patients regarding the influence of dental hygienist providers’ Social Intelligence on self-care and to create a Social Intelligence Self-care Conceptual Model.

Methods An investigator-designed questionnaire was administered to patients who received care at a dental hygiene program clinic following a minimum of one 15-minute self-care education session. Five open-ended items relating to patients’ perspectives of the dental hygienist providers’ Social Intelligence on self-care included: 1) commitment 2) partnering 3) responsibility, 4) positive social qualities and 5) negative social qualities. Responses were analyzed and themes developed for the first three items. Social Intelligence capabilities were used to analyze the last two items.

Results A total of 103 participants responded to the questionnaire. Themes for the first three items were: 1) interactions promoting encouragement and that are educational and individualized, 2) personal and shared responsibility, and 3) helpful, collaborative, and negative partners. Analysis of the last two items regarding influential positive and negative qualities yielded adapted Social Intelligence capabilities definitions. A Social Intelligence Self-care Conceptual Model was created by combining the study’s results, the concepts of the Client Self-care Commitment Model, and the philosophy of person-centered care.

Conclusion Social Intelligence was apparent in participants’ interpersonal interactions with dental hygiene care providers that were encouraging, educational, and individualized. Other influential interactions in relationship building were revealed in the themes of shared responsibility, helpful and collaborative partnerships and positive qualities demonstrated by dental hygienists. The Social Intelligence conceptual model may be valuable to implement into education and practice with the goal of improving person-centered care and the client’s oral health.