Oral care in cancer nursing.

The present study describes the perception of education, self-rated knowledge and attitudes towards oral care, performed oral care and co-operation with dentistry among nurses and enrolled nurses in charge of patients with haematological malignancies, lung cancer and head and neck cancer. A total of 137 nurses and enrolled nurses participated in a semi-structured interview based on a 43-item questionnaire. Nurses had less education in oral care and rated their knowledge on oral care lower than did enrolled nurses. Both groups reported a need for continuing education. Knowledge in oral care was rated to be poorest concerning oral status, oral signs and symptoms and fluorides. Nurses gave out information on oral complications and instruction in oral hygiene to a greater extent and examined the oral cavity more often than did enrolled nurses. A total of 18% felt uncomfortable in discussing oral hygiene with the patients and 45% objected to examining the oral cavity and stated patient integrity as the main reason. A majority reported that they received sufficient help from dentistry. There is a need for continuing education in oral care among nurses and enrolled nurses, which must be a responsibility of and in co-operation with dentistry.