Effectiveness of health care worker training on the oral health of elderly residents of nursing homes

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a staff training programme on mouth care on the oral health of elderly residents of long-term care institutions. METHODS: Seventy-eight residents of five long-stay institutions were enrolled and underwent a baseline oral health assessment. Staff caring for residents in three of the sites received intensive training in mouth care. This comprised lecture and video material complemented by clinical demonstrations. The oral health of residents at all five sites was reassessed at periods of 3 and 9 months. Staff caring for residents in the remaining two institutions were then provided with mouth care training and all patients were reassessed at 18 months. Statistical analyses were undertaken to examine for significant changes in selected oral health parameters after training, within each group. RESULTS: Oral mucosal disease and oral dryness were common at baseline. The staff training was well received. Following staff training, there was a significant reduction in the number of residents left to undertake their own oral care. There were significant improvements in denture hygiene and a reduction in the number of residents wearing dentures overnight. The prevalence of oral mucosal disease dropped, with significant reductions in angular cheilitis and denture stomatitis. CONCLUSION: This education programme was effective in changing oral health care procedures within long-stay institutions for the elderly, with measurable improvements in oral health of the residents