Riikka Salmi1, Mimmi Tolvanen2, Riitta Suhonen3,4, Satu Lahti2, Timo Närhi1,5. 1. Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Stomatognathic Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 2. Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 3. Departement of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. 4. Turku University Hospital, City of Turku, Welfare Division, Turku, Finland. 5. Clinic of Oral Diseases, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increasing number of older adults lives in their own homes, but needs help in many daily routines. Domiciliary care nursing staff (DCNS) is often needed to support oral home care. However, information of nursing staff's knowledge, skills and activity in this task is sparse. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess DCNS knowledge, perceived skills and activities to support oral home care of older domiciliary care clients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among DCNS in one of the largest cities in Finland. All DCNS members (n = 465) received a questionnaire with 14 multiple choice and open questions regarding the perceived skills, knowledge and activities of oral health guidance of older domiciliary care clients. In total, 115 (25%) DCNS members returned the questionnaires. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to describe the samples and study variables. DCNS was categorised according to age and working years for group comparisons, which were assessed with chi-squared test. RESULTS: Knowledge concerning oral health was mostly on a high level. Around 50% of DCNS considered their knowledge regarding dental prosthesis hygiene as sufficient. Of the DCNS, 67% informed that they had received education on oral health care. However, over 50% of the DCNS had a need for further education in issues related to oral home care. DCNS were active in supporting most oral and prosthesis hygiene means, yet less in guidance concerning toothbrushing. Activity to support cleaning the interdental spaces was the weakest, in which only 12% of the respondents considered having average or excellent skills. Younger DCNS had better knowledge on oral home care due to recent education, but older staff members were more skilful in performing oral hygiene measures. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for structured instructions and training on oral home care for DCNS. Oral home care should be taken into account more often and regularly.
BACKGROUND: Increasing number of older adults lives in their own homes, but needs help in many daily routines. Domiciliary care nursing staff (DCNS) is often needed to support oral home care. However, information of nursing staff's knowledge, skills and activity in this task is sparse. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess DCNS knowledge, perceived skills and activities to support oral home care of older domiciliary care clients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among DCNS in one of the largest cities in Finland. All DCNS members (n = 465) received a questionnaire with 14 multiple choice and open questions regarding the perceived skills, knowledge and activities of oral health guidance of older domiciliary care clients. In total, 115 (25%) DCNS members returned the questionnaires. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to describe the samples and study variables. DCNS was categorised according to age and working years for group comparisons, which were assessed with chi-squared test. RESULTS: Knowledge concerning oral health was mostly on a high level. Around 50% of DCNS considered their knowledge regarding dental prosthesis hygiene as sufficient. Of the DCNS, 67% informed that they had received education on oral health care. However, over 50% of the DCNS had a need for further education in issues related to oral home care. DCNS were active in supporting most oral and prosthesis hygiene means, yet less in guidance concerning toothbrushing. Activity to support cleaning the interdental spaces was the weakest, in which only 12% of the respondents considered having average or excellent skills. Younger DCNS had better knowledge on oral home care due to recent education, but older staff members were more skilful in performing oral hygiene measures. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for structured instructions and training on oral home care for DCNS. Oral home care should be taken into account more often and regularly.
Authors: Lina F Weening-Verbree; Annemarie A Schuller; Sytse U Zuidema; Johannes S M Hobbelen Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-13 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Anna Greta Barbe; Aya Al-Barwari; Stefanie Hamacher; Renate Deinzer; Ulrike Weik; Michael J Noack Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2021-04-30 Impact factor: 2.757