Effect of Continuous Nursing Based on IKAP Theory on Periodontal Indicators and Self-Management Ability of Patients With Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting over a billion people globally, requires effective long-term self-management for successful outcomes. However, a significant gap persists between patient knowledge and sustained behavioural change. This review proposes and synthesizes evidence for a paradigm shift in periodontal care: continuous nursing based on the Information-Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (IKAP) theory. We deconstruct the IKAP framework as a sequential cascade where targeted Information is converted to personalized Knowledge, shaping positive Attitudes to ultimately drive sustained Practice. Continuous nursing operationalizes this model through a triphasic approach: pre-clinical digital preparation, in-clinic catalytic skill-building and motivational interviewing, and post-clinical reinforcement via tele-nursing and smart technology. Synthesized evidence from recent trials and reviews indicates that this approach leads to clinically meaningful improvements in periodontal indicators (e.g., probing depth, bleeding on probing) and significantly enhances patients' self-management ability, self-efficacy, and oral health-related quality of life. By integrating behavioural science with chronic care management, IKAP-based continuous nursing bridges the intention-behaviour gap, offering a superior, patient-centered model for achieving durable periodontal health and empowering patients in their long-term care journey.