Oral Nursing Education in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and the Need for Dedicated Personnel

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the performance of oral nursing in intensive care units after COVID-19 and identify the factors affecting it and to gather data for preparing a system to improve the oral nursing environment. Methods: From April 1 to May 31, 2023, online self-completed questionnaires were filled out by nurses working in intensive care units at higher hospital across South Korea. Results: A significant correlation was found between the perception of poor oral care in seriously ill patients and the demand for oral management education in serious patients. Conclusions: To provide effective oral care for critically ill patients, oral care implementation and education should be strengthened in cooperation with oral experts, and a system for heightening the importance and improving the environment of oral care in intensive care units is needed.