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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Giles McCrackenORCiD, Professor Angus Walls
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Aims and objectivesTo (1) investigate the organisation, provision and practice of oral care in typical UK stroke units; (2) explore stroke survivors', carers' and healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions about the barriers and facilitators to receiving and undertaking oral care in stroke units.BackgroundCerebrovascular disease and oral health are major global health concerns. Little is known about the provision, challenges and practice of oral care in the stroke unit setting, and there are currently no evidence-based practice guidelines.DesignCross-sectional survey of 11 stroke units across Greater Manchester and descriptive qualitative study using focus groups and semi-structured interviews.MethodsA self-report questionnaire was used to survey 11 stroke units in Greater Manchester. Data were then collected through two focus groups (n=10) with healthcare professionals and five semi-structured interviews with stroke survivors and carers. Focus group and interview data were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework approach.ResultsEleven stroke units in Greater Manchester responded to the survey. Stroke survivors and carers identified a lack of oral care practice and enablement by healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals identified a lack of formal training to conduct oral care for stroke patients, inconsistency in the delivery of oral care and no set protocols or use of formal oral assessment tools.ConclusionOral care post-stroke could be improved by increasing healthcare professionals' awareness, understanding and knowledge of the potential health benefits of oral care post-stroke. Further research is required to develop and evaluate the provision of oral care in stroke care to inform evidence-based education and practice.Relevance to clinical practiceDevelopment of staff training and education, and evidence-based oral care protocols may potentially benefit patient care and outcomes and be implemented widely across stroke care.
Author(s): Horne M, McCracken G, Walls A, Tyrrell PJ, Smith CJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Clinical Nursing
Year: 2015
Volume: 24
Issue: 5-6
Pages: 728-738
Print publication date: 01/03/2015
Online publication date: 19/08/2014
Acceptance date: 21/06/2014
ISSN (print): 0962-1067
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2702
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jocn.12665
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12665
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