Oral care after stroke: Where are we now?

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

There appears to be an association between poor oral hygiene and increased risk of aspiration pneumonia - a leading cause of mortality post-stroke. We aim to synthesise what is known about oral care after stroke, identify knowledge gaps and outline priorities for research that will provide evidence to inform best practice.

Methods

A narrative review from a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing on evidence from systematic reviews, literature, expert and lay opinion to scrutinise current practice in oral care after a stroke and seek consensus on research priorities.Findings: Oral care tends to be of poor quality and delegated to the least qualified members of the caring team. Nursing staff often work in a pressured environment where other aspects of clinical ca

SUBMITTER: Lyons M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6571511 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature