By implementing new care protocols, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has ensured that dentures are cleaned to remove pathogen laden plaque and biofilm, with additional benefits including improved resident self-esteem and staff compliance.
Denture hygiene in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs)
Initiative Type
Model of Care
Status
Deliver
Added
Last updated
Summary
Key dates
Jan 2021
Implementation sites
Residential Aged Care Facilities
Partnerships
Qld Oral Health and RACF
Aim
To implement new denture care protocols in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) that will allow for dentures to be cleaned to remove pathogen laden plaque and biofilm and reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and subsequent hospitalisation.
Benefits
- resident self-esteem
- compliance by carers and nursing staff
- reduction in Emergency Department (ED) admissions and hospitalisations from aspiration pneumonia related illness
Background
- Denture Hygiene is paramount to the overall health of residents of aged care facilities and can contribute to the reduction of hospitalisations from pneumonia related illness.
- Research shows that overall improved oral health reduces pneumonia.
Solutions Implemented
Dentures are placed in a plaque and tartar remover solution (sold commercially) and then in an ultrasonic cleaner for the required period.
This method is the only one that removes all plaque and biofilm that normal commercial cleaners fail to do.
Evaluation and Results
An immediate difference was visible, with carers and nursing staff more willing to participate in denture hygiene if a result is achievable.
Lessons Learnt
Important to engage stakeholders to ensure understand importance of oral care in RACF.
This is only one step towards complete Oral Care, and it involves other disciplines such as dentists and nursing staff to complete the circle.
