title: A critical analysis of the philosophy, knowledge and theory underpinning mouth care practice for the intensive care unit patient.
abstract: In the provision of high quality mouth care practice for the intensive care unit (ICU) patient, the nurse draws on philosophy, knowledge and theory. The complexity of mouth care for the ICU patient is compounded by their medical or surgical condition and the psychological effects of mouth care problems. Effective mouth care practice includes proactive prediction and prevention of complications, and prompt and skilled intervention in the problems arising. Therefore, critical analysis of the philosophy, knowledge and theory relevant to mouth care practice is important. The philosophical approach to mouth care requires the nurse to view the practice from different perspectives. Nursing knowledge has inextricable links with nursing practice that challenges the nurse in her/his everyday work. This application of knowledge to practice is conceptualised as ways of thinking, which is also based on what the nurse might know. Therefore, the judicious use of theory and the necessary skills are essential to provide high quality and effective mouth care practice. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the ways in which philosophy, knowledge and theory all have an impact on the practice of mouth care for the ICU patient.
authors.affiliation: The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, The National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland. kathleen.wilkin@amnch.ie
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilkin
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D019359:Knowledge; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000451:nursing*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing