Evaluation of an Oral Care Program to Improve the Oral Health of Home-Dwelling Older People

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of an Oral Care Program on home care nurses' attitudes and knowledge about oral health (care) and the impact on older people's oral health. A pre-post study, without a control group, was conducted. A preventive Oral Care Program (OCP) was designed, focusing on home care nurses and older people, in collaboration with dental hygienists. Implementation was measured with questionnaires at baseline and after 6 months for home care nurses; for older people, implementation was measured at baseline and after 3 months with the Oral Health Assessment Tool and a questionnaire about oral (self) care between January 2018 and September 2019. Although the study design has limitations, the oral health of older people improved significantly after 3 months and the OCP was most beneficial for people with full dentures. The OCP improved knowledge and attitude of home care nurses. The program fitted well with the daily work routines of home care nurses. Individual-centered care plans for older people, education of home care nurses and the expertise of the dental hygienists have added value in home care nursing. Future implementations should focus on older people with natural teeth.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an Oral Care Program on home care nurses' attitudes and knowledge, as well as on the oral health of older people. The program significantly improved the oral health of older people, particularly those with full dentures. It also improved the knowledge and attitude of home care nurses, fitting well with their daily work routines. Individual-centered care plans for older people, education of home care nurses, and the expertise of dental hygienists added value to home care nursing.