Najla Chebib1, Talina Clizia Waldburger2, Sandrine Boire3, Virginie Prendki3, Sabrina Maniewicz1, Mojon Philippe1, Frauke Müller1,4. 1. Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, University Clinics of Dental Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. 2. Undergraduate Student, University Clinics of Dental Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. 3. Division of Internal Medicine of the Aged, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Thônex, Switzerland. 4. Division of Geriatrics, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, Thônex, Switzerland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess caregivers' knowledge, perception and perceived barriers as well as their daily usual practice concerning oral care provision in a geriatric hospital. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and administered to caregivers in a geriatric ward. Furthermore, oral care delivery to dependent and independent patients was clinically observed. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-two caregivers (60% nurses, 40% nursing aids) completed the survey (78% response rate). Clinical oral care was observed in 97 inpatients. Observations revealed that brushing was done in 94% of opportunities in independent patients but in only 55% of dependent patients. This corresponded to the frequency indicated in the questionnaire for independent elders (97%, n.s.), whereas it was significantly different for dependent elders (89%, P < .001). 95% of caregivers stated in the questionnaire never verifying self-administered oral care, whereas 12.3% were actually observed verifying intraorally its efficiency (P = .07 chi-squared test). 71% of the respondents stated storing the prostheses dry, and 8% stated that they reinserted it after cleaning. Caregivers' observation revealed that 35.1% of prostheses were reinserted in the mouth, indicating a significantly higher rate than in the questionnaire (P < .05). Respondents felt that their training to perform oral hygiene measures was suboptimal (VAS 48 ± 34.4). Patients verbally refusing oral care were stated as a barrier by 14% of respondents and were witnessed in 15.6% of observation opportunities (n.s). CONCLUSION: Various measures, such as hospital health policy, improved logistics or advanced hands-on training, might help to converge the clinical practice towards the theoretical knowledge.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess caregivers' knowledge, perception and perceived barriers as well as their daily usual practice concerning oral care provision in a geriatric hospital. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and administered to caregivers in a geriatric ward. Furthermore, oral care delivery to dependent and independent patients was clinically observed. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-two caregivers (60% nurses, 40% nursing aids) completed the survey (78% response rate). Clinical oral care was observed in 97 inpatients. Observations revealed that brushing was done in 94% of opportunities in independent patients but in only 55% of dependent patients. This corresponded to the frequency indicated in the questionnaire for independent elders (97%, n.s.), whereas it was significantly different for dependent elders (89%, P < .001). 95% of caregivers stated in the questionnaire never verifying self-administered oral care, whereas 12.3% were actually observed verifying intraorally its efficiency (P = .07 chi-squared test). 71% of the respondents stated storing the prostheses dry, and 8% stated that they reinserted it after cleaning. Caregivers' observation revealed that 35.1% of prostheses were reinserted in the mouth, indicating a significantly higher rate than in the questionnaire (P < .05). Respondents felt that their training to perform oral hygiene measures was suboptimal (VAS 48 ± 34.4). Patients verbally refusing oral care were stated as a barrier by 14% of respondents and were witnessed in 15.6% of observation opportunities (n.s). CONCLUSION: Various measures, such as hospital health policy, improved logistics or advanced hands-on training, might help to converge the clinical practice towards the theoretical knowledge.
Authors: Karoliina Holmavuo; Anna Liisa Suominen; Johanna Lammintakanen; Irma Nykänen; Tarja Välimäki; Sohvi Koponen; Roosa-Maria Savela; Ursula Schwab Journal: Clin Exp Dent Res Date: 2022-04-03