Oral health in residential aged care: Perceptions of nurses and management staff

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to explore the perceptions of residential aged care nursing and management staff regarding oral care, to develop strategies to improve the oral health of aged care residents. Design A qualitative approach was used. Methods Two focus groups were conducted with nursing and management staff at two residential aged care facilities and transcripts were thematically analysed. Results All staff had an awareness of the importance of oral health; however, they highlighted the significant challenges in the current system that affect implementation of oral health training and practice guidelines in the residential aged care facility. High staff turnover, time constraints, difficulties in accessing dental services and working together with residents, their families and external staff were barriers to providing oral health care. Staff highlighted the need for formalized clinical guidelines and processes and efficient dental referral pathways to create a more cohesive system of care.

Barriers and Facilitators to integrate Oral Health care for Older Adults in General (Basic) Care in East Netherlands. Part 2 Functional Integration

“…16 Such guidelines serve as a practical set of instructions and, as indicated by one of our respondents and in literature, they do help to establish norms, raise awareness and guide OHC practices among nurses. 17 , 18 They might also help in reaching agreement on what good OHC entails among all care providers involved in OHC.…”

Relationship between Mortality and Oral Function of Older People Requiring Long-Term Care in Rural Areas of Japan: A Four-Year Prospective Cohort Study

“…Numerous reports are available regarding the importance of oral health among older adults [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Specifically, the maintenance of oral intake—which significantly affects the life prognosis, quality of life, and dignity of older adults—has become an important issue in medical care for and the welfare of older adults [ 8 , 9 ].…”

A scoping review of pharmacy participation in dental and oral health care

“…Pharmacists also work in other healthcare settings, such as in hospitals and aged-care facilities, where oral health could worsen or be overlooked, [15][16][17] and there are pharmacist-led medication information services in some countries to support oral healthcare. 18,19 The role of pharmacists in DOHC promotion and collaborative relationships with dental practitioners is encouraged.…”

“…pharmacy assistants, technicians) may be well placed to further support DOHC, considering their role in smoking cessation, alcohol reduction and weight management, 14 which can also affect a person's oral health. Pharmacists also work in other healthcare settings, such as in hospitals and aged‐care facilities, where oral health could worsen or be overlooked, 15‐17 and there are pharmacist‐led medication information services in some countries to support oral health care 18,19…”