biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)Yee R<h4>Aim</h4>To explore oral health-related knowledge, abilities, attitudes, practices, and barriers of pediatric oncology nurses at an Asian children's hospital.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-administered anonymized questionnaire. Data was analyzed to summarize knowledge, confidence, and practice behaviors.<h4>Results</h4>All sixty-three pediatric oncology nurses responded. Fifteen participants had >80% of the knowledge questions correct. Majority (97.3%) agreed on their roles in helping patients maintain their oral health. However, 75.8% of participants felt need for training in giving oral health advice. Notably, 74.6% checked patients' mouths at least once daily but only 57.1% felt adequately trained. Though a high proportion (>90%) of nurses felt confident to assist with oral care, only 65% would assist patients to do so; "Uncooperative patient" was the major barrier reported.<h4>Discussion</h4>Nurses have high general awareness of importance of oral health, but had incomplete knowledge. Compared to previous studies, most (90.5%) did not find performing oral care unpleasant but other barriers might have hindered actual oral care practice.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Nurses were motivated to assist in oral care of children with cancer but sometimes felt ill-equipped. Updated national and institution guidelines, didactic and hands-on training, and implementation of practical support could be considered.BDJ open3https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9902813biostudies-literatureA survey of pediatric oncology nurses' oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers in a Singapore Tertiary Children's Hospital.PMC9902813Lim YSLSaffari SEChay PLChan MYLee NKLKhor MMKam WFYee RfalseA survey of pediatric oncology nurses' oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers in a Singapore Tertiary Children's Hospital.<h4>Aim</h4>To explore oral health-related knowledge, abilities, attitudes, practices, and barriers of pediatric oncology nurses at an Asian children's hospital.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-administered anonymized questionnaire. Data was analyzed to summarize knowledge, confidence, and practice behaviors.<h4>Results</h4>All sixty-three pediatric oncology nurses responded. Fifteen participants had >80% of the knowledge questions correct. Majority (97.3%) agreed on their roles in helping patients maintain their oral health. However, 75.8% of participants felt need for training in giving oral health advice. Notably, 74.6% checked patients' mouths at least once daily but only 57.1% felt adequately trained. Though a high proportion (>90%) of nurses felt confident to assist with oral care, only 65% would assist patients to do so; "Uncooperative patient" was the major barrier reported.<h4>Discussion</h4>Nurses have high general awareness of importance of oral health, but had incomplete knowledge. Compared to previous studies, most (90.5%) did not find performing oral care unpleasant but other barriers might have hindered actual oral care practice.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Nurses were motivated to assist in oral care of children with cancer but sometimes felt ill-equipped. Updated national and institution guidelines, didactic and hands-on training, and implementation of practical support could be considered.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Feb2025-04-20T03:40:35.072Z2025-04-20T03:40:35.072ZS-EPMC99028133675071810.1038/s41405-023-00130-2