title: Feasibility of implementing oral health guidelines in residential care settings: views of nursing staff and residential care workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the views of nurses and on the feasibility of implementing current evidence-based guidelines for oral care, examining barriers and facilitators to implementation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This mixed-methods study involved an online survey of 35 nurses and residential care workers, verified and expanded upon by one focus group of six residential care workers. Results reflected that nurses and residential care workers (a) have little or no training in recommended oral care techniques, and (b) lack access to the equipment and professional supports needed to provide adequate oral care. Basic oral care might be performed less than once per day in some settings and patients with problematic behaviours, dysphagia, or sensitivities associated with poor oral health might be less likely to receive oral care. While lack of time was highlighted as a barrier in the survey findings, focus group members considered that time should not be a barrier to prioritising oral care practices on a daily basis in residential care settings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are several important discrepancies between the recommendations made in evidence-based guidelines for oral care and the implementation of such practices in residential care settings. Nursing and residential care staff considered adequate oral care to be feasible if access, funding and training barriers are removed and facilitators enhanced.
authors.affiliation: The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Shaylee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hilton
authors.affiliation: Teachers' College, Columbia University, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Justine Joan
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Sheppard
authors.affiliation: The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: bronwyn.hemsley@newcastle.edu.au.
authors.forename: Bronwyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hemsley
mesh_terms: D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009740:Nursing Staff; D009909:Oral Health
keywords: Long term residential care; Nursing; Nursing assistants; Oral care; Oral health