Authors (including presenting author) :
Yau YL(1), Lam CM(1), Chan HW(1), Chan WS(1), Poon MK(1), Wong HW(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Hospital Authority Infectious Disease Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital
Introduction :
Oral health is a crucial component of overall wellness, particularly during hospitalization. Inadequate oral care can cause biofilm build-up, mucous membrane deterioration, and bacterial colonization, creating entry points for pathogens. Poor hygiene has been linked to hospital-acquired infections like ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bloodstream infections. It can also worsen systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as the mouth can serve as a reservoir for bacteria that spread to other parts of the body. Additionally, oral pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating can negatively affect a patient's nutrition and recovery.
This risk is especially significant for patients admitted to the Hospital Authority Infectious Disease Centre (HAIDC), where individuals with infectious diseases, immunocompromised conditions, or critical illnesses require specialized care.
The Oral Care Enhancement Program aims to provide guidance to healthcare staff on effective oral hygiene practice, enhance patient care, prevent secondary infections and promote better health outcomes.
Objectives :
1.Promote oral hygiene to prevent systemic infections originating from the oral cavity
2.Develop tailored oral care guidelines for patients with various clinical conditions
3.Educate healthcare staff on proper oral care techniques
4.Empower patients to participate in their own oral hygiene routines during hospitalization
Methodology :
Staff training was provided to nurses and patient care assistants (PCAs) through briefing sessions covering the oral care guidelines, a photo guide for the setting up the oral care trolley, and patient education materials.
To monitor and evaluate the program, pre-briefing and post-briefing questionnaires assessed staff knowledge and collected feedback during the implementation period. Oral assessments were conducted for patients upon admission, weekly, and before discharge to evaluate their oral health and the program's impact.
Result & Outcome :
Oral assessments were conducted for 115 adult patients across three designated wards between September and October 2024. The assessment covered four categories: 'lips', 'tongue', 'teeth and gum, and 'cheeks or palate and under tongue. Results indicated that patients showed no deterioration in any category during hospitalization, regardless of their clinical conditions or immunity status.
For staff evaluation, 60 nurses and 20 PCAs participated. The pre-briefing questionnaire revealed that about 50% of staff felt unconfident in providing oral care independently. After the briefing sessions, 95% of them reported feeling confident in delivering care using the guidelines and educational materials. Positive feedback highlighted that the program significantly improved their ability to provide better nursing care, especially for junior staff.
