Clinical Evaluation of Comprehensive Versus Routine Oral Care among Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Oral care is an essential nursing management for critically ill patients who cannot carry
out his activity by themselves in critical care units. Oral care of the critically ill affect the
incidence of periodontal illness. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of comprehensive versus
routine oral care on oral health of critically ill patients at intensive care unit. To achieve this aim, a quasiexperimental
research design was utilized. The study was carried out at the Intensive Care Unit at Tanta
Emergency Hospital. A convenient sample of 40 adult patients were selected and randomly divided into
two equal groups, 20 patients in each group. Two tools were used for data collection. Tool I: Critically Ill
Patient’s Assessment Sheet and Tool II: Oral Assessment guide Scale. Hypotheses: The comprehensive
oral care is more effective than routine oral care in minimizing oral problems for critically ill patients at
intensive care unit. The results showed that there was no significance difference between study and
control group in the first day of admission. However at third and seventh day of admission, there was
significant improvement of condition of swallow, lips, tongue, mucus membrane, teeth, and Oder in study
group compared to control group. While the difference was significant on seven day only in gingival and
saliva with P = 0.00. The study concluded that oral comprehensive care was more effective than oral
routine care in improving oral health status of critically ill patients. Based on findings of the study it is
recommended to use comprehensive oral care for ICU patients as well as the non-intubated patient with
self-care deficits. Assessment of oral health status should be incorporated as part of routine care of
critically ill patients.