Inter-examiner agreement in the application of an oral health assessment instrument in hospitalized elderly

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze the correspondence between nurse and dental surgeon assessments in the application of an Oral Health Assessment in dental screening of elderly hospitalized patients. Methods: cross-sectional study with elderly patients (n = 54) admitted to University Hospital from the Federal University of São Paulo. Data were collected through the assessment of oral cavity. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze them, using tables and graphs. Results: there was correlation and agreement between nurse and dental surgeon assessments referring to application of an Oral Health Assessment in dental screening of hospitalized elderly. Conclusions: oral Health Assessment in dental screening for hospitalized elderly by nurses demonstrated excellent reproducibility and may be a resource to identify buccal alteration, helping the planning and execution of nurse care associated to oral health.