Consensus based clinical guideline for oral hygiene in the critically ill

Angela M. Berry, Patricia M. Davidson, Lisa Nicholson, Carmel Pasqualotto, Kaye Rolls

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Oropharyngeal colonisation has been identified as a factor contributing to ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). We sought to develop a clinical practice guideline for providing oral hygiene in the critically ill. Research methodology: Following a systematic literature review a prospectively derived consensus development conference was convened and sponsored by a clinical governance unit. Results: The consensus development conference generated 12 recommendations for tools and solutions; frequency and duration of cleaning; oral assessment tools and oral hygiene protocols. These recommendations underwent a validation process. Conclusions: In light of sparse high level evidence to inform guidelines, further research is needed inform clinical practice. Oral hygiene is a critical element of nursing care and a standardised approach has the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)180-185
Number of pages6
JournalIntensive and Critical Care Nursing
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • care and hygiene
  • critically ill
  • intensive care units
  • mouth

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