Oral care practice for the ventilated patients in intensive care units: a pilot survey

Ong, Swee Leong and Kim, Lam Soh and Sazliana, Shariff and Kim, Geok Soh (2012) Oral care practice for the ventilated patients in intensive care units: a pilot survey. The journal of infection in developing countries. pp. 333-339. ISSN 20366590

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Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICUs). One factor causing VAP is aspiration of oral colonisation, which may result from poor oral care practice. Oral care using tooth brushing can prevent formulation of dental plaque that can be a reservoir for microbes causing VAP. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 124 nurses, using a self-administered questionnaire, to determine methods used, frequency, and attitude of nurses toward oral care provided to mechanically ventilated patients in Malaysian ICUs. Results: Methods for oral care and their frequency of use varied between nurses even in the same unit. Cotton with forceps was used by 73.4% of the nurses. Some nurses used forceps and gauze (65%) or spatulas and gauze (36%). Toothbrushes were used by 50.8% of the nurses. Nurses in this hospital reported to have positive attitude toward providing oral care. Conclusions: The survey showed the need to have standardised oral care protocols in ICUs to improve quality of oral care provided to ventilated patients.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: : ventilator-associated pneumonia; nursing practice; attitude; oral hygiene; oral care
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Business and Management
Depositing User: Mrs Norhidayah Razak
Date Deposited: 17 Dec 2020 04:55
Last Modified: 21 Aug 2021 08:13
URI: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/id/eprint/2222

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