Improving Nurse Compliance with Evidence-Based Oral Care in Long-Term Ventilated Patients
Research Poster Health & Life Sciences 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Mary Kamau
Exhibition Number 24
Abstract
Abstract Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most prevalent hospital-acquired infections in intensive-care units (ICU). Implementation of evidence-based oral care is the most effective prevention of VAP and improves patient outcomes Local problem: Oral care compliance remained a problem in the local facility indicated by prolonged length of stay, increased incidences of VAP, and increased care costs. Methods: The methods for this quality improvement (QI) project included the Beck Oral Assessment Scale (BOAS) and pre- and post-implementation surveys (Munro & Baker, 2018). Interventions: The QI project was implemented for an 8-week period. Pre- and post-implementation surveys provided to staff measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, and compliance regarding oral care. Staff were educated on the appropriate use of BOAS, then assessed on return demonstrations. Staff documented BOAS and oral care completion in the electronic health record (EHR). Results: Post-implementation, oral care compliance was noted to increase from once per shift to three or more times per shift, improved knowledge and attitude with P-value 0.0005, and there was a noted increase in the documentation of BOAS scores. Conclusions: The QI project illustrated the importance of education in improving staff knowledge, attitudes, and compliance regarding oral care for ventilated patients, as it can impact overall patient health, especially for these vulnerable populations. Oral care compliance will decrease length of stay, decrease the astronomical expenditures that hospitals face, reduce the patient’s time spent away from their family, and result in improved oral health for patients and sustainability of the interventions.
Importance
My research design focuses on the implementation and adherence to oral care protocols in long-term ventilated patients to prevent complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). By addressing barriers to compliance and leveraging evidence-based practices, the goal is to formulate effective strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into nursing routine care. This will improve patient outcomes and quality of life by addressing barriers to compliance and utilizing evidence. This research is pivotal as it seeks to bridge the gap between existing practices and the optimal standards of care required to enhance patient outcomes. By underscoring the significance of oral care, this study aspires to drive policy changes and encourage the adoption of standardized oral care protocols in critical care settings globally.