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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Developing and implementing an oral care policy and assessment tool.
Michelle Stout1, Orla Goulding, Anne Powell
1Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. Michelle.Stout@hse.ie
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|September 12, 2009
Summary
Implementing updated oral care policies and assessment tools in nursing improves patient outcomes. This ensures evidence-based practices, reducing pain, infection risk, and enhancing quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Care
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Patient Health
Background:
- Poor oral hygiene negatively impacts patient well-being, causing pain, increasing infection risk, and affecting nutritional status.
- Adequate oral care is a critical component of comprehensive nursing care.
- Adverse effects of poor oral hygiene include diminished quality of life and increased healthcare complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update an oral care policy and assessment tool within a hospital setting.
- To ensure the implementation of evidence-based practices in patient oral hygiene.
- To improve the standard of nursing care regarding oral health.
Main Methods:
- Review and revision of existing oral care policy.
- Development and implementation of a new oral assessment tool.
- Focus on integrating evidence-based practices into nursing protocols.
Main Results:
- Successful update of the oral care policy and assessment tool.
- Enhanced implementation of evidence-based oral hygiene practices.
- Improved framework for delivering quality nursing care in oral health.
Conclusions:
- Updated oral care policies and tools are crucial for evidence-based nursing practice.
- Effective implementation enhances patient comfort and reduces health risks.
- This initiative contributes to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
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Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
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