A Standardized Positive Physical Approach to Improve Oral Hygiene for Nursing Home Residents With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

Abstract

Residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in nursing homes (NHs) rely on direct care workers (DCWs) to assist with activities of daily living, such as oral hygiene. The current quality improvement project was implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching a standardized positive physical approach to oral hygiene completion for patients with ADRD residing in a NH. A pre-/postintervention evaluation incorporating a video presentation coupled with a hands-on simulation experience showed a statistically significant improvement in DCWs' overall Sense of Competency in Dementia score, as well as all subcategories of the Sense of Competence in Dementia Care Staff survey. In addition, residents' day shift oral hygiene care completion rates increased monthly pre- to postintervention. NHs should consider implementing training that includes hands-on experiences to equip DCWs with the knowledge and skill needed to improve oral hygiene among residents with ADRD. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48 (11), 15–20.]