Self-reported data, oral hygiene and periodontal indices as key performance indicators in a long-term residential care facility for older adults

Abstract

Background: In long-term care facilities, optimal oral hygiene is vital for maintaining the overall health and quality of life of older adults. Despite its importance, adherence to oral health guidelines is often inadequate, leading to poor oral hygiene and periodontal health. This research stresses the need to reassess and implement effective oral hygiene Practices by using self-reported data and clinical parameters as Key performance indicators to help implement periodontal care strategies, including guidelines and oral health policies. Integrating feedback from healthcare professionals and older adults is essential to enhance care standards and address the complex oral health needs and quality of life of this growing population effectively. Objectives: The objective of this research study is to assess the effectiveness of oral health indicators as key performance indicators (KPIs) in a long-term care facility for older adults. The aims of the study include exploring the utility of self-reported data, Oral Hygiene Indices, and Periodontal Indices as KPIs within this setting. Additionally, the study seeks to determine if Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Indices effectively reflect the oral self-care management by older adults and/or their carers and if these indices can also serve as tools for monitoring manpower performance in these facilities. Another aim is to examine the impact of oral health education on the outcomes of clinical assessments using these indices. Finally, the study will evaluate whether Oral Hygiene Indices are effective in measuring the impact of poor oral hygiene on the general health and quality of life of older adults. Methods and Materials: In this study conducted at St. Vincent de Paul Long-Term Residential Care Facility for Older Adults, the effectiveness of oral health indicators as key performance indicators (KPIs) was assessed through a cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical design. The study involved both healthcare professionals and older adults residents. The sample included 200 staff members and 384 older adults, determined through Yamane’s Sampling formula to ensure statistical reliability at a 95% confidence level. Calibration and training were provided prior to commencement of the study. The calibration was based on the diagnosis and charting of periodontal disease to standardize data collection, which included various oral health indices. Ethical considerations were meticulously handled, with approvals from various entities, including FREC and UREC, ensuring compliance with GDPR for handling participant data and securing informed consent. Recruitment involved a cross-sectional analysis to gather baseline data on attitudes towards oral health care among different professional groups and residents. Simple random sampling was used to select wards for inclusion, balancing gender representation and cognitive ability among participants. The data collection phased into a longitudinal study, monitoring oral hygiene and periodontal changes over time, and included educational and oral health promotion interventions. [...]