Turkish Nurses' Attitudes and Practices Regarding Oral Care

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the attitudes and practices of nurses working in intensive care units of four different hospitals regarding oral care. Methods: One hundred eighty-five nurses who worked in adult intensive care units comprised the sample of this cross-sectional descriptive study. Conclusion: It can be said that intensive care nurses perform oral care without an oral care protocol and assessment guideline, and that the methods and frequency of oral care and solutions and tools used for oral care differ from one institution to another. Implications for Nursing Practice: The results emphasized the need for continuing training in this area.