Oral Care for Neuroscience patients in New Zealand – A national survey

Abstract

Abstract Aims: To understand the experience and knowledge of neuroscience nurses working in acute ward settings in New Zealand regarding oral care. To determine what educational requirements were needed to standardise oral care. Data sources: A systematic review of articles was conducted using Cinahl, PubMed, Cochrane and Google scholar between 2007-2019. Methods: An online survey using Survey Monkey with three out of five units participating from the north and South Island of New Zealand using qualitative and quantitative data. Results: 34% of nurses completed the survey from three different neuroscience wards. Oral hygiene education was provided to the majority of respondents during their initial nursing training, however this was considered inadequate and most nurses did not receive oral hygiene education since their training. It was considered that there was a lack of oral care assessment tools and guidelines available in New Zealand. A lack of evidence-based practice existed. Therefore, inconsistencies over products and frequency of care was problematic. Barriers to effective oral care included the uncooperative patient, lack of access to the mouth and a perceived lack of time to provide oral care. Conclusion: The experience and knowledge of neuroscience nurses in this study was varied. An opportunity existed to implement an oral assessment tool and guideline which could improve the oral care of the neuroscience patient and standardize care throughout New Zealand. Oral hygiene education should be provided and available for nursing students, registered nurses, health care assistants, patients and family to ensure consistent effective oral care. Impact: As a result of this study, a guideline and assessment flowchart were created with an online e-learning experience. This was distributed to a number of hospitals nationwide to ensure standardization of care across all neuroscience wards.