Nursing care for oral complications associated with chemotherapy. A survey among members of the Dutch Oncology Nursing Society.

The incidence of oral complications among adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy varies from 12% to 80%. Adequate oral hygiene has been shown to be important in prevention, and an essential role is reserved for the nursing staff. These considerations prompted the decision to survey, by means of a questionnaire, the nurses who give care to cancer patients. The questions were concerned with multidisciplinary treatment, inspection methods, nursing interventions, and nursing education. Data emerged regarding a shortage of dentists and dental hygienists, and knowledge of oral inspection and the appropriate interventions by nurses are insufficient. Extra attention to oral hygiene during training is warranted.