Improving oral hygiene for the seriously ill patient: implementing research-based practice.
A research-based policy and procedure to improve the oral hygiene care of intubated and other seriously ill patients was developed, implemented, and evaluated. The project resulted in (a) improved oral hygiene for patients, (b) standardization and simplification of nursing practice, and (c) a reduction in supply costs. The project has implications for nursing practice and evidence-based practice protocol development.
Stiefel
K A
KA
Patient Care Services, Norman Regional Hospital, OK, USA.
Damron
S
S
Sowers
N J
NJ
Velez
L
L
D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003422:Critical Care / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D016638:Critical Illness; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D017749:Total Quality Management