Date Presented 03/21/24
This mixed-methods study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a universal oral hygiene program. It was implemented to educate and train rehab nursing staff in oral hygiene routines and to assess patients’ independence in performing meaningful occupations.
Primary Author and Speaker: Manisha Sheth
Additional Authors and Speakers: John Altre
PURPOSE: Maintaining oral health is very important for an individual’s well-being and general health, especially when they are critically ill and/ or hospitalized (1). However, evidence indicates that oral health is often neglected or sidelined (2). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a universal oral hygiene program. It was implemented to educate & train rehab nursing staff in oral hygiene routines and to assess patients’ independence in the meaningful occupation of oral hygiene.
DESIGN: A mixed-method research design was used. Participants were recruited through purposive and convenience sampling. Eligibility criteria included nursing staff (nurses and nurse’s aides) who had been working in the inpatient rehab unit for at least three months.
METHOD: Sixty-six eligible nursing staff were recruited to complete a close-ended survey questionnaire. A pre/post-program implementation design was used to measure knowledge and skills among the nursing staff about oral hygiene. Quantitative data was analyzed through Jeffrey’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP). Eight participants participated in a face-to-face interview. Qualitative data were analyzed by identifying codes and themes. Trustworthiness was ensured by triangulation, saturation, member checking and peer debriefing.
RESULTS: Descriptive statistics were used to report quantitative data, which showed a significant increase in the number of patients’ participation and independence in oral care post-implementation of the program. The nursing staff reported a significant increase in knowledge of oral care. Qualitative themes that emerged were increased knowledge, time management, workload and responsibilities given to nursing staff each day.
CONCLUSION AND IMPACT STATEMENT: The program signified how education, effective communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration could benefit patients’ daily oral care practice. Future research is warranted to explore other meaningful occupations besides oral hygiene.
References
Red, A., & O’Neal,, P. (2020). Implementation of an evidence-based oral care protocol to improve the delivery of mouth care in nursing home residents. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(5), 33–39.https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20200316-01
Schutte, D., & Warren, C. (2020). Staff knowledge and attitudes toward oral care in an acute care hospital pre-and post-implementation of an evidence-based practice change. Medsurg Nursing, 29(3), 1481–188,218. http://westcoastuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/staff-knowledge-attitudes-toward-oral-care-acute/docview/2410491856/se-2
