evidence based mouth care policy - Doncaster and Bassetlaw ...

• BACKGROUND TO RESEARCH
Key Words
Page 18 of 21
REF: PAT/PA 17 v.1
“CANCER, ORAL CARE, ORAL ASSESSMENT, ORAL ASSESSMENT TOOL, ORAL HYGENE
AND MOUTH CARE WERE USED”
Literature Review
The literature review in relation to mouth care focuses on the need for an initial nursing assessment.
(Holmes 1993, Turner 1996, Lomghurst 1998) It also highlights that there is a lack of a tangible
knowledge base in this field. (Turner 1996, Holmes 1993, Kite and Pearson 1995). However authors
recognise the importance of regular oral hygiene. Buglass (1995) argues that frequency is far more
important than the agents used. However there is no general agreement regarding frequency of
care, agents to be used or recommended assessment tool.
For the purpose of this paper it was intended to adapt an approved assessment tool (RCS and
BDSH 2001) to enhance mouth care practice. Whilst it is agreed that the assessment tool may be
useful as a research outcome measure it is open to criticism in that it produces a score rather than a
diagnosis. However if used with a flow guide to oral assessment and care it is thought that this will
highlight any problems, standardise care and give advice on treatments.