Developing and implementing an oral care policy and assessment tool.
Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of nursing care. Poor oral care results in patients experiencing pain and discomfort, puts individuals at risk of nutritional deficiency and infection, and has an adverse effect on quality of life. This article describes how an oral care policy and assessment tool were updated to ensure the implementation of evidence-based practice at one hospital in the Republic of Ireland.
Stout
Michelle
M
Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. Michelle.Stout@hse.ie
Goulding
Orla
O
Powell
Anne
A
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D011788:Quality of Life