Oral care in nursing practice: a pragmatic representation.

Oral care for patients receiving non-specialist palliative care has been reported to be lacking in several respects. The present study explored the oral care social representation of nurses and health-care assistants providing non-specialist palliative care. A mixed methodology utilising a questionnaire and focus groups was adopted. The research identified difficulties in providing oral care in this setting. The participants reported managing their emotions around carrying out oral care. They had resources available and were convinced of the positive effects. However, their personal efficacy needed to be reinforced and they needed to receive positive feedback.