Abstract

SILVA JUNIOR, Adilson Carlos da et al. Oral hygiene: performance of the nursing team in a hospital environment. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2020, vol.serV, n.1, pp.e19099-e19099. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV19099.

Background: Oral hygiene is essential in nursing care. It helps in the prevention of oral and systemic diseases. Objective: To identify the performance of the nursing team in oral hygiene in a hospital environment. Methodology: Exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach carried out with nursing professionals who work in the hospital environment. A questionnaire was applied to participants about their sociodemographic and professional characteristics and the performance of oral hygiene. Results: A total of 114 nursing professionals participated in this study. Of these, 75.4% of participants reported that they had not performed oral hygiene in the last shift, and 44.7% of the team members suggested that the patient should do so. Work overload and high patient turnover were mentioned as constraints to the performance of oral care. Conclusion: The nursing staff perceives oral hygiene as a part of essential patient care; however, oral hygiene practice has been neglected. This study points to the need to provide continuing education activities on this type of care in the hospital environment.

Keywords : oral hygiene; nursing; nursing care; disease prevention.

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