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The primary care visit: what else could be happening?
Terry Fulmer1, Patricia Cabrera
1Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Nursing Research and Practice
|June 22, 2012
Summary
Nurses should expand their role in oral health, viewing mouth care as crucial infection control. This preventive measure is vital for vulnerable populations to reduce systemic health risks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Nursing
- Oral Health Management
- Infection Control Practices
Background:
- Institute of Medicine reports emphasize nurses' expanded role in oral health for vulnerable populations.
- Vulnerable groups, including older adults and individuals with disabilities, face significant barriers to essential dental care.
- Poor oral health, linked to bacterial reservoirs in plaque, can lead to systemic infections like pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for nurses to reframe mouth care as a critical component of oral infection control.
- To highlight the potential for nurses to implement preventive measures that reduce systemic infection risks.
- To encourage nurses to conduct oral health assessments and provide patient education.
Main Methods:
- Review of Institute of Medicine reports on oral health and nursing roles.
- Analysis of the link between oral hygiene, bacterial reservoirs, and systemic health outcomes.
- Identification of nursing interventions in oral care, assessment, education, and referrals.
Main Results:
- Nurses care for populations with high risks of poor oral health and subsequent systemic infections.
- A strong connection exists between oral health and overall systemic health, with oral infections posing significant risks.
- Nurses possess the potential to provide comprehensive oral care, including assessments and preventive education.
Conclusions:
- Nurses must embrace oral care as integral to infection control and systemic health maintenance.
- Expanded nursing roles in oral health are essential for improving outcomes in vulnerable populations.
- Overcoming hesitancy and adopting best practices in oral hygiene are crucial for nurses.
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