Work

The Effect of an Evidence-Based Oral Care Algorithm on Oral Health of Critical Care Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Introduction Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) have poor oral health due to several factors, such as mechanical ventilation and reduced consciousness, which can lead to serious complications. Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of a multimedia evidence-based oral care training program on the oral hygiene of ICU patients. Methods This randomized controlled trial involved 60 nurses and 56 patients in two general ICUs, allocated into control and intervention groups using cluster randomization. Nurses in the intervention ICU received multimedia educational content based on an evidence-based oral care algorithm, along with face-to-face training for one month. They then provided the intervention to patients. During the next 3 months, the oral hygiene scores of newly admitted patients were evaluated using the Beck Oral Assessment Scale (BOAS) three times: upon admission to the ICU, 24 h, and 48 h after admission. The control group continued with usual oral care as before. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software. The Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact test, Independent T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Results There were no significant differences between the patients’ and nurses’ groups regarding baseline characteristics. Also, BOAS scores of patients upon admission did not significantly differ between groups ( P = .863). In the intervention group, patients’ BOAS scores significantly decreased (improved) from 12.11 ± 1.03 to 7.93 ± 1.61 (24 h after admission) and then to 6.11 ± 1.26 (48 h after admission) ( P < .001). However, BOAS scores in the control group did not improve significantly within 24 or 48 h after admission. Conclusion This study indicates that multimedia training of an evidence-based, comprehensive oral care algorithm improves the oral hygiene of ICU patients, especially those requiring higher levels of care.

Source: SAGE Open Nursing

DOI: 10.1177/23779608251391498

Authors: Amirhossein Nasirmoghadas, Kosar Pourhasan, Yekta Rahimi, Mehrnoosh Azizi Zarazmi, Mohammad Arabdoost, Ladan Sedighi

Institution: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Nosocomial Infections in ICU

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500