title: Improving oral health for older people in the home care setting: An exploratory implementation study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore how home care providers can support older people to maintain good oral health through implementing a model called Better Oral Health in Home Care (BOHHC).
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed method, pre- to post-implementation design was used. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework informed the model's implementation process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High levels of dental need were identified at pre-implementation. Older people self-reported significant oral health improvements following the introduction of tailored home care strategies by care workers, who in turn reported a better understanding and knowledge of the importance of oral care for older people.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The BOHHC Model provided an evidence-based approach for community-based prevention and early detection of oral health problems. Improving oral health for older people in the home care setting has significant practice and policy implications which require ongoing intersectoral facilitation involving aged care, vocational health education and dental sectors.
authors.affiliation: SA Dental Service and School of Nursing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: SA Dental Service and School of Nursing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kitson
authors.affiliation: SA Dental Service and School of Nursing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Gill
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Harvey
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016321:Dental Care for Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006302:Health Services Research; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D010358:Patient Participation; D015397:Program Evaluation
keywords: aged; capacity building; home care services; oral health; quality improvement