Mouth Care Matters: Putting the mouth back into body

Poster Download

Background

Poor oral health can affect our ability and desire to eat and drink; impact negatively on our ability to communicate; and has an overall effect on dignity and well-being. There is evidence that suggests, hospitalisation is associated with the deterioration of oral health. This in turn has been linked to an increase in hospital acquired infections; poor nutritional intake; longer hospital stays, and general increased care costs.

Purpose

To improve awareness, assessment and administration of effective mouth care across the Trust, by providing education and training.

Aim

Aiming to improve patient experience and reduce prolonged hospital admissions.

Method

Pre-audit questionnaires were completed by nursing staff and patients on selected wards across the Trust; focusing on knowledge and experience of effective mouth care for nursing staff and exploring barriers. Patient questionnaires focused on changes to oral care during hospital stays and access to appropriate oral care equipment/resources.

Results

60% of staff had not received training in assessing and providing mouth care. The main barriers assisting with mouth care reported was time and patient compliance. 79% feel they’d benefit from further mouth care training. 12/23 patients were not asked if mouth care support was needed and 25% of patients feel their mouth care/health had worsened since hospitalisation.

Conclusion

Pre-questionnaire findings provide support to help the Mouth Care Matters Team devise an effective assessment tool and develop a comprehensive training plan for nursing staff in an attempt to fulfil the needs of both nursing staff knowledge and confidence whilst also improving patient health-related quality of life.