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Improving oral hygiene for the seriously ill patient: implementing research-based practice
K A Stiefel1, S Damron, N J Sowers
1Patient Care Services, Norman Regional Hospital, OK, USA.
Medsurg Nursing : Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
|September 23, 2000
Summary
A new oral hygiene protocol for critically ill patients improved patient care, streamlined nursing tasks, and reduced costs. This evidence-based practice enhances overall healthcare delivery and resource management.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Critical Care Medicine
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Critically ill patients, including those intubated, require specialized oral hygiene.
- Existing oral care practices may be inconsistent or suboptimal.
- There is a need for standardized, effective protocols in intensive care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop, implement, and evaluate a research-based policy for improving oral hygiene in seriously ill patients.
- To standardize and simplify nursing procedures related to oral care.
- To assess the impact of the new protocol on patient outcomes, nursing practice, and resource utilization.
Main Methods:
- Development of a comprehensive oral hygiene policy and procedure.
- Implementation of the protocol in a clinical setting.
- Evaluation of the protocol's effectiveness through patient outcomes, nursing practice analysis, and cost assessment.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in the oral hygiene of intubated and critically ill patients.
- Standardization and simplification of nursing practice, leading to more efficient care delivery.
- A notable reduction in the costs associated with oral hygiene supplies.
Conclusions:
- The developed oral hygiene protocol is effective in enhancing patient care for the critically ill.
- The protocol offers a model for evidence-based practice protocol development in nursing.
- Implementation leads to improved patient outcomes, streamlined nursing, and cost savings.