Oral care practices and hospital-acquired pneumonia prevention : A national survey of Australian nurses

Journal article


Tehan, Peta Ellen, Browne, Katrina, Matterson, Georgia, Cheng, Allen C., Dawson, Sonja, Graves, Nicholas, Johnson, Douglas, Kiernan, Martin, Madhuvu, Auxillia, Marshall, Caroline, McDonagh, Julee, Northcote, Maria, O'Connor, Jayne, Orr, Liz, Rawson, Helen, Russo, Philip, Sim, Jenny, Stewardson, Andrew J., Wallace, Janet, ... Mitchell, Brett G.. (2024). Oral care practices and hospital-acquired pneumonia prevention : A national survey of Australian nurses. Infection, Disease and Health. 29(4), pp. 212-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idh.2024.04.006
AuthorsTehan, Peta Ellen, Browne, Katrina, Matterson, Georgia, Cheng, Allen C., Dawson, Sonja, Graves, Nicholas, Johnson, Douglas, Kiernan, Martin, Madhuvu, Auxillia, Marshall, Caroline, McDonagh, Julee, Northcote, Maria, O'Connor, Jayne, Orr, Liz, Rawson, Helen, Russo, Philip, Sim, Jenny, Stewardson, Andrew J., Wallace, Janet, White, Nicole, Wilson, Rhonda and Mitchell, Brett G.
Abstract

Background
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) also known as non-ventilator associated pneumonia, is one of the most common infections acquired in hospitalised patients. Improving oral hygiene appears to reduce the incidence of HAP. This study aimed to describe current practices, barriers and facilitators, knowledge and educational preferences of registered nurses performing oral health care in the Australian hospital setting, with a focus on the prevention of HAP. We present this as a short research report.

Methods
We undertook a cross sectional online anonymous survey of Australian registered nurses. Participants were recruited via electronic distribution through existing professional networks and social media. The survey used was modified from an existing survey on oral care practice.

Results
The survey was completed by 179 participants. Hand hygiene was considered a very important strategy to prevent pneumonia (n = 90, 58%), while 45% (n = 71) felt that oral care was very important. The most highly reported barriers for providing oral care included: an uncooperative patient; inadequate staffing; and a lack of oral hygiene requisite. Patients' reminders, prompts and the provision of toothbrushes were common ways believed to help facilitate improvements in oral care.

Conclusion
Findings from this survey will be used in conjunction with consumer feedback, to help inform a planned multi-centre randomised trial, the Hospital Acquired Pneumonia PrEveNtion (HAPPEN) study, aimed at reducing the incidence of HAP. Findings may also be useful for informing studies and quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving oral care to reduce the incidence of HAP.

Keywordspneumonia; hospital acquired pneumonia; nursing; practical; oral hygiene
Year2024
JournalInfection, Disease and Health
Journal citation29 (4), pp. 212-217
PublisherElsevier B.V.
ISSN2468-0451
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idh.2024.04.006
PubMed ID38724299
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85192253231
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
Funder Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), Australian Government
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online14 Sep 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted11 Apr 2024
Deposited21 Jan 2025
Grant IDMRF2022645
GNT2008392
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