Evaluation of interrater reliability assessing oral health in acute care settings.

Oral health is increasingly important in relation to illness prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to test interrater reliability nurses in-between of Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG) among patients acutely admitted to hospital with a medical condition. All patients were assessed twice. Percent agreement and Cohen's Kappa coefficient was calculated. Substantial differences were found between observers' ratings. If ROAG is to be implemented, it must be preceded for example by specific education, visual guidance or selection of most important elements in the screening tool.