Speakers
Description
Background
Oral health is a critical component of patient safety and overall health, yet it is often overlooked in daily care, particularly among patients dependent on clinicians for oral hygiene. A baseline gap analysis in a complex continuing care organization identified inconsistent oral health documentation, lack of a standardized assessment tool, and limited staff knowledge and confidence in oral health assessment and interventions. Baseline surveillance data demonstrated a higher prevalence of respiratory infections in the long-term ventilated unit compared to other inpatient units, ranging from 10.0% to 36.7% over a 12-month period.
Purpose
This quality improvement initiative aims to implement the validated Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and evidence-based oral care interventions to standardize oral health assessment and care practices while reducing respiratory infection risk in complex continuing care.
Methods
Implementation is guided by the Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) and Social Movement Action (SMA) frameworks to promote practice change, sustainability, and champion engagement. Best Practice Spotlight Organization champions conducted the initial gap analysis, selected the OHAT, and supported integration planning within the electronic documentation system.
Interprofessional education will be delivered to nurses and other clinicians, with a target participation rate of 80%. Evaluation measures will include pre- and post-education assessments of clinician knowledge and confidence, OHAT completion rates, oral health status, and respiratory infection rates.
Implementation and sustainability strategies include practice alerts, real-time feedback, champion-led support, monthly chart audits, orientation integration, and point-of-care education.
Anticipated Outcomes
Expected outcomes include improved clinician knowledge and confidence in oral health assessment and interventions, increased OHAT completion rates, improved oral health status, and reduced respiratory infection rates.
Conclusion
Standardizing oral health assessment and care using the OHAT and evidence-based interventions, guided by KTA and SMA frameworks, provides a scalable and sustainable approach to improving oral health practices and reducing respiratory infection risk in medically complex populations.
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Arlenne Gonzalvo-Atienza, RN, BScN, MN, CNCC © , Advanced Practice Nurse
Melissa Pham, RN, BScN, MN, Advanced Practice Nurse
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is your abstract related to?
Oral Health: Supporting Adults Who Require Assistance
| Organization Name | Toronto Grace Health Centre |
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