[Nursing staff's knowledge and attitudes concerning preventive oral hygiene in palliative care]

Preventive mouth care is essential for the well-being of palliative care patients, though it is not performed enough outside units devoted to these patients. Our study aimed at getting a better knowledge of carers' attitudes and knowledge regarding this basic care. A validated questionnaire was sent anonymously to nurses and nursing aides working in the medical units of ten hospitals in Brittany. Of the 2,467 questionnaires sent, 54% were validated for use. The years of experience have little influence on nursing staff's answers. One in twenty does not think that preventive mouth care is part of his/her duties. This care is considered unpleasant, and difficult, by 11% and 22% of nurses, and 13.5% and 20.5% of nursing aides, respectively. A lack of knowledge is openly expressed with regards to oral diseases and dental prostheses. More than one in four cannot say if he/she knows the functions of the mouth, or he/she can identify a healthy mouth. These results show the scope for improvement as well as the priorities. They will be used as baseline for our future program assessment.