Implementing an oral health policy in long-term care facilities for older adults in Flanders, Belgium: The Oral Health Care Track

Background

The oral health of care-dependent older people living in residential care facilities is generally suboptimal. To facilitate adequate daily oral care and timely referral to a dental professional, studies emphasise the need for sustainable, structured oral healthcare policies in aged care organisations. The effect of such interventions is often limited or uncertain owing to a lack of understanding of how effective the integration and implementation of the policy has been within the facilities. This study reports on the development of a method to adequately implement an oral healthcare policy in long-term care organisations for older adults.

Materials and methods

An intervention mapping protocol was used to develop a theory- and practise-based methodology. This step-by-step approach combined findings from a literature review, experiences from earlier projects and behaviour change theories in a multilevel programme.

Results

Intervention mapping yielded a systematic programme for implementing an oral healthcare policy in aged care organisations. The Oral Health Care Track or “De Mondzorglijn” comprises seven phases, each subdivided into several tasks. The programme's implementation is guided by oral healthcare coaches.

Conclusion

By using intervention mapping, it was possible to combine behaviour change theories, information derived from needs assessment and earlier experiences into a comprehensive programme to improve the oral health and quality of life of older residents in residential care facilities. Further research is needed to evaluate the use of coaches in the implementation of the Oral Health Care Track.