Teaming Up for Better Health: An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach to Older Adult Oral Care
Location
Price, UT
Start Date
5-13-2025 11:00 AM
Description
Oral health is a critical component of overall health, significantly influencing systemic diseases and the quality of life in older adults. Conditions such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and poor oral self-care are associated with aspiration pneumonia. Integrating oral health into healthcare in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is essential for preventing various conditions and improving quality of life. Effective oral hygiene is crucial in avoiding non-ventilator hospital-associated pneumonia by reducing oral biofilm and lowering the risk of pneumonia. Nurses' knowledge and care in oral health across healthcare settings are vital for positive health outcomes. Revising nursing curricula to incorporate oral health education is critical. The attitudes and perceptions of healthcare professionals towards older adult oral health care significantly impact the quality of care, highlighting the need for education and training. Interprofessional education and collaboration are essential for creating educational interventions and innovative approaches to enhance students' preventive oral care skills and knowledge. This research emphasizes a multifaceted approach to improving oral health care for the elderly, including clinical, educational, and technological interventions, and calls for ongoing research to develop effective strategies for enhancing oral health care and education.
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Teaming Up for Better Health: An Interprofessional Collaborative Approach to Older Adult Oral Care
Price, UT
Oral health is a critical component of overall health, significantly influencing systemic diseases and the quality of life in older adults. Conditions such as xerostomia, swallowing difficulties, and poor oral self-care are associated with aspiration pneumonia. Integrating oral health into healthcare in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is essential for preventing various conditions and improving quality of life. Effective oral hygiene is crucial in avoiding non-ventilator hospital-associated pneumonia by reducing oral biofilm and lowering the risk of pneumonia. Nurses' knowledge and care in oral health across healthcare settings are vital for positive health outcomes. Revising nursing curricula to incorporate oral health education is critical. The attitudes and perceptions of healthcare professionals towards older adult oral health care significantly impact the quality of care, highlighting the need for education and training. Interprofessional education and collaboration are essential for creating educational interventions and innovative approaches to enhance students' preventive oral care skills and knowledge. This research emphasizes a multifaceted approach to improving oral health care for the elderly, including clinical, educational, and technological interventions, and calls for ongoing research to develop effective strategies for enhancing oral health care and education.