Impact of Oral Health Education Program (OHEP) on Competencies Among Nurses Caring for Totally Dependent Patients in Two Government Tertiary Hospitals in the Philippines

Abstract

Background: Circumstances surrounding hospitalization and ill-health can lead to neglect of oral hygiene. In fact, several studies have reported the link between presence of oral pathogens and development of hospital-acquired pneumonia among mechanically ventilated patients. Performing oral care, therefore, is an essential intervention to prevent infection among these patients. While a lot of studies have focused on nurses' knowledge and practices on oral health, only a few examined their skills and attitudes towards providing oral care.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the impact of a competency-based Oral Health Education Program (OHEP) on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses caring for totally dependent patients.

Methods: The study utilized a quasi-experimental, one group pre- and post-test design in the intensive care units (ICUs) of two tertiary government hospitals. A total of 66 nurses participated in the study, all of whom were subjected to the OHEP.

Results: There was a significant difference in the nurses' pre-test and post-test scores in each of the components (knowledge, skills, and attitude) of oral care. Nurses' post-test scores were significantly higher, indicating improvement in their oral care competencies. Attending the training or workshop in oral care had a positive relationship to knowledge (r=0.249, p<0.05).

Conclusion: The Oral Health Education Program (OHEP) is associated with the increased competency level of nurses on oral care. The need for systematic and comprehensive oral care training similar to OHEP is therefore recommended, especially among nurses caring for totally dependent patients.