6. Oral care competency and practices among critical care nurses for mechanically ventilated patients

Abstract

Introduction Oral care has an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of critically ill patients. Effective oral care improves patient comfort and prevents oral infection. Oral care also is an important component of the ventilator bundle. Evidence shows that comprehensive oral care is a prevention strategy to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients under mechanical ventilation. Purpose This study was conducted to assess the critical care nurses’ competency pre, intra and post Endotracheal Tube and Oral Care Practices for Mechanically Ventilated Patients Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 intensive care nurses working in CCU, CSICU, and ICU of a specialized governmental hospital. A questionnaire was distributed and three weeks was given for papers collection. Three parts questionnaires were developed based on literature and an existing hospital policy and procedure. The first part contained questions about demographics including gender, age, years of working in critical care unit, qualification, and marital status. Second part contained a 12 items to test the nurses attitude toward mouth care practices for intubated patients by using 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree (5) to strongly disagree (1). Part three contained a checklist to assess oral care competency by using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree (5) to strongly disagree (1). All nurses participated voluntarily and were assured of confidentiality. Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS, version 17) software was used for analysis. Result A total of 131 nurses out of 150 completed the questioners, 100% were females, 86% of nurses are Baccalaureate degree, 93% with 7–9 years’ experience in critical care units, 80% of nurses have adequate time to provide oral care at least once a day, 20.4% only of the nurses are using a toothbrush with 2% Chlorhexidine Solution every 2–4 h for oral care at least Once a Day, 75.8% of nurses prefer to use oral swab with 2% Chlorhexidine Solution q 2–4 h, 98% has positive attitude toward mouth care practice.Conclusions The survey provided useful information on the oral care knowledge and practices of nurses caring for Mechanically Ventilated Patients. Almost all the nurses perceived oral care to be a high priority. Very low number of nurses are using the toothbrush with 2% Chlorhexidine Solution every 2–4 h, this figure must be studied for further action. The majority of nurses had some formal training in oral care, but would appreciate an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills.