Implementation of standardised oral care treatment and referral guidelines for older sub‐acute patients: a multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

Abstract Aim To explore the contribution of hospital pharmacists in the collaborative development and implementation of standardised oral care treatment and referral guidelines, and its subsequent impact on the overall quality of oral health practice for older sub‐acute patients. Method Assessments were conducted of oral health pre‐ and post‐introduction of a multifaceted intervention process, involving the development of guidelines and procedures for oral health assessment and referral by dental, medical, nursing, pharmacy and speech pathology staff. Participants’ oral health was assessed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool ( OHAT ) in the pre‐ and post‐intervention phases at baseline and 10–14 days thereafter. Results Participants ( n = 73, mean age 81 years, 66% female) in the pre‐intervention group reported no significant change in total OHAT scores and oral health at days 10–14 of admission. In the post‐intervention phase ( n = 73, mean age 82 years, 66% female) the mean total OHAT score decreased significantly from a baseline of 2.81 at admission to 2.29 at days 10–14 reflecting, an 18.5% improvement (p < 0.005). Conclusion This study highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary team, including a pharmacist, in improving oral health practice for older people in a sub‐acute hospital setting.