Provision of Oral Care in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit: Survey of Nursing Staff Training, Confidence, Methods, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers

Abstract

Background: Poor oral health is associated with adverse outcomes in critical care settings. Although provision of oral care is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice, both formal training and practice among nursing staff remain unclear. Method: Cardiothoracic intensive care unit nurses were recruited to complete a 16-item survey regarding training, confidence, methods, prioritization, and barriers to provision of oral care. Results: A total of 108 nurses participated (70% response rate). Formal training in oral care was reported by 38%, most frequently reported as less than 1 hour (53%) in duration. Of the respondents, 70% reported confidence in providing oral care. Nine methods and 16 products were identified, with variability in the frequency of provision. Prioritization of oral care was rated most frequently as moderate (53%), with 28% reporting barriers. Conclusion: Despite limited formal training, surveyed nurses reported confidence in providing oral care. Methods, frequency, and prioritization were variable. Both development of formal curricula and evaluation of adherence to standardized protocols for oral care are warranted. [ J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(7):313–321.]