Oral care in cancer nursing

The present study describes the perception of education, self-rated knowledge and attitudes towards oral care, performed oral care and co-operation with dentistry among nurses and enrolled nurses in charge of patients with haematological malignancies, lung cancer and head and neck cancer. A total of 137 nurses and enrolled nurses participated in a semi-structured interview based on a 43-item questionnaire. Nurses had less education in oral care and rated their knowledge on oral care lower than did enrolled nurses. Both groups reported a need for continuing education. Knowledge in oral care was rated to be poorest concern-ing oral status, oral signs and symptoms and fluorides. Nurses gave out information on oral complications and instruction in oral hygiene to a greater extent and examined the oral cavity more often than did enrolled nurses. A total of 18% felt uncomfortable in discussing oral hygiene with the patients and 45% objected to examining the oral cavity and stated patient integrity as the main reason. A majority reported that they received sufficient help from dentistry. There is a need for continuing education in oral care among nurses and enrolled nurses, which must be a responsibility of and in co-operation with dentistry.