An investigation into the criteria for nursing interventions in oral hygiene

Abstract

Providing hospitalised patients with oral hygiene may be considered part of 'basic' nursing care. Its beneficial effect on patients with 'dirty' mouths however, may be greater than anticipated. This study aims to use a non-experimental approach to identify the criteria chosen by registered nurses on general medical and surgical wards in Malta, for providing oral hygiene; the reasons for providing it, the lotions and the tools used. A questionnaire was devised which was distributed in a pilot study to 2 registered nurses working on a general medical ward and 2 registered nurses on a general surgical ward. A 75% response rate was achieved. Recommendations for modifications to the questionnaire are made and alternative methods for data collection suggested. The researcher acknowledges that this is a vast area of nursing care to consider and it may be preferable to study one aspect in detail. The method of nursing work organization is also questioned and the proposal made tor the introduction of an individualised patient care approach.