Oral hygiene of stroke patients in a stroke unit: a best practice implementation project.

Abstract

Introduction: People with stroke are at risk of poor oral hygiene caused by neurological deficits, which can be motor, sensory, or cognitive. Good oral hygiene has been shown to reduce adverse events and improve the patient's quality of life. Although nurses recognize the benefits of oral hygiene, evidence shows that this area of care is frequently overlooked.

Aim: This evidence implementation project aimed to improve oral hygiene in stroke patients through the application of best practices.

Methods: This project was conducted in a stroke unit in a hospital in northern Portugal. The project followed the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit, feedback, and re-audit process. Four audit criteria were used in the baseline and follow-up audits. Observation of nursing care and analysis of nursing records were used to assess current practice against best practice recommendations. Nurses were engaged in the project through brainstorming to identify barriers, co-create strategies to address the barriers, and ensure project sustainability.

Results: The baseline audit revealed low compliance with the four audit criteria. The follow-up audit showed increased compliance, with Criterion 1 improving from 0% to 100%, with all nurses receiving training on oral hygiene assessment and management. Compliance increased by 40% for Criterion 2 and 36.7% for Criteria 3 and 4, respectively.

Conclusions: The project successfully promoted compliance with best practice recommendations and increased evidence-based practice for oral hygiene in patients with stroke in a stroke unit.

Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A302.