Registered Nurse, Master in Humanities and Health
Pia Yousfi
Department of Microbiology, Vejle Hospital
| Project management | ||
| Project status | Open | |
| Data collection dates | ||
| Start | 05.02.2025 | |
| End | 01.09.2025 | |
What is the association between the integration of dental hygienists in hospital wards and nursing staff's knowledge of oral hygiene? A controlled pilot study using questionnaire-based data.
Short summary
Background: Non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a serious complication among hospitalized patients and accounts for a considerable proportion of hospital-related mortality. Oral hygiene is a preventive factor, but it is often deprioritized, and evidence-based knowledge among nursing staff is lacking. Objective: To examine the association between the integration of a dental hygienist in a hospital ward and nursing staff's knowledge of evidence-based oral hygiene, com
Rationale
Background and Introduction Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), particularly non-ventilator-associated HAP (NV-HAP), represents a significant burden in hospital settings, being one of the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections and contributing substantially to patient morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical relevance, preventive efforts, especially those related to oral hygiene, are often underprioritized within nursing routines. Research indicates a correlation between poor oral hygiene and increased risk of NV-HAP, as oral bacteria can act as a reservoir for pathogens that may be aspirated into the lungs. Recent studies highlight a general lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding oral hygiene among nursing staff. This gap is compounded by insufficient training and lack of standardized protocols in oral care. Integrating dental hygienists into hospital wards has been proposed as a strategy to address these deficiencies. However, the impact of such integration on the knowledge levels of nursing staff has not been thoroughly investigated. Aim of the Study The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between the integration of a dental hygienist into a somatic hospital ward and the knowledge of nursing staff regarding evidence-based oral hygiene practices, in comparison to wards without such integration. Additionally, the study sought to explore whether this association varies according to the staff's educational background and level of experience.
Description of the cohort
This study was conducted as a non-blinded, non-randomized controlled pilot study without baseline measurements. The cohort comprised nursing staff from five somatic inpatient hospital wards across two university hospitals in Denmark. One ward received an intervention involving the integration of a dental hygienist, while the remaining four wards continued with standard care practices.
Data and biological material
Data collection was based on a questionnaire designed to assess participants' knowledge of evidence-based oral hygiene practices. The same questionnaire was distributed across all participating wards at a single point in time, near the conclusion of the intervention period. The survey included multiple-choice questions derived from national clinical guidelines and was used as the sole method of evaluating the outcome.
Collaborating researchers and departments
Charlotte Nielsen Clinical Researcher, Postdoctoral Researcher, Registered Nurse, Department of Plastic Surgery, Odense University Hospital