Evaluation of an Oral Care Protocol for Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Induced Oral Complications in Hnc (head and Neck Cancer) Patients
Year: 2019
Type: other
Abstract: Introduction Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are inherently associated with the production of various complications, ranging from the initial oral mucositis, xerostomia to osteoradio/chemo necrosis. Methods The aim of this study was to develop an oral care protocol and evaluate its effectiveness in HNC patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well as to train the staff nurses to implement the oral care with an oral care kit. This interim analysis included a single-blind randomized control trial conducted among 44 HNC patients in which 22 were assigned to experimental group and 22 to a control group who received standard of care (SOC) of oral care. The intervention group received oral care kit which consisted of fluoridated toothpaste, oral rinses, chewy tube, and patient education material. Patients were observed once a week until they complete the complete course of radiation therapy. The outcome variable was measured by an oral health assessment tool, prepared by the researcher and the WHO oral mucositis grading scale.Results Oral care protocol did not affect the development of the incidence of oral complications. However, median days to mucositis, taste loss, infection, bleeding gums and xerostomia were statistically significant in comparison with control (p<0.05). A significant difference was found in mucositis grading on 3rd, 4th and 5th-week assessment (p<0.05) and severity was lower in the experimental group. The experimental group oral health assessment score during admission was decreased by .483 and at its end of treatment score was decreased by .270 indicating improved oral health.Conclusions Administration of a specific oral care protocol by trained staff nurses shown to improve oral health and awareness regarding oral complications among patients. This study recommends the implementation of an oral care protocol for all HNC patients in cancer nursing practice.
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4254247349