Implementation of oral hygiene practices in nursing homes – the view of supervisor nurses

Abstract

Objectives The aim of our study was to analyse the implementation of oral health-related practices in private enhanced service housing units and nursing homes in Finland reported by supervisor nurses. Methods We sent an anonymous, voluntary Webropol-questionnaire to the supervisor nurses of private enhanced service housing units and nursing homes (N = 245). The questionnaire included items about the implementation of oral healthcare-related practices in the care units and items based on the Nursing Dental Coping Beliefs index (DCBS index). Five dimensions of the implementation of oral healthcare-related practices, Oral hygiene practices and Favourable diet for oral health, Oral hygiene equipment, Professional dental services, and Knowledge and opinions were used as outcomes. The factors in the nursing DCBS index and background variables were used as explanatory variables. Results Our main results showed that in care units, Oral hygiene practices, Favourable diet for oral health, Oral hygiene equipment, and Professional dental services were partly implemented. Furthermore, according to Knowledge and opinions supervisor nurses had challenges in oral health-related knowledge and difficulties in managing oral care. In the DCBS index, better self-efficacy in “Managing bleeding gums” was associated with better implementation of oral health practices. Furthermore, supervisor nurses’ better own oral health habits were associated with better implementation of oral health-related practices. Conclusions It can be concluded that based on the responses of the supervisor nurses, oral health-related practices were partly implemented in private enhanced service housing units and nursing homes in Finland.