|
|
CS21
Effect of Oral Care Policy on the Nursing Practice in Intensive Care and Progressive Care Units
By Laura Lewis; Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
For further information, please contact: Laura@LakeNorman.com
Purpose: To use evidence based practice model in the evaluation of the current Oral Care policy with regard to mechanically ventilated and unconscious patients in Critical Care Units.
Description: Current oral care policies were reviewed and found to be open to interpretation leading to potential for lack of clarity, decreased compliance, and incomplete documentation. This was reflected in the quality assurance scores. The majority of nurses were not suctioning the oral cavity frequently enough, or using Chlorhexidine rinse consistently. The policy did not include information about not using Chlorhexidine with tooth paste or Nystatin due to incompatibilities. A literature review was conducted to determine the evidence based practice for oral care. Based on this information the current oral care policy was revised. Next we educated the interdisciplinary staff of the ICU’s as well as pharmacist. Finally, we repeated the survey to re-evaluate the oral care nursing practice documentation as well as review quality assurance scores.
Evaluation and Outcomes: By understanding the link between HAP and oral care, the bedside nurse by following the oral care policy will lead to a decrease the patients’ risk of HAP. Nurse’s ability to follow policy by obtaining information related to evidence based practice will improve the performance of oral care. The nurse’s actions are based on the research evidence, resulting in practice changes at the bedside. The updated policy will benefit the patient by decreasing the incidence of HAP while increasing patient comfort. The correct use of Chlorhexidine will save nursing time and hospital care costs plus decrease the chance of plaque build up and staining of patient’s teeth. Nursing staff will have increased knowledge of the interaction between Chlorhexidine, toothpaste or Nystatin. The staff will benefit from increased education and the current evidence based role of oral care in the ICU patient.
Poster Presentation: Click on the icon below to launch
Return to Poster Presentations
|
|
|
|
|
|