Dissertation
Nursing oral care standards: reducing the risk of non-ventilator hospital acquired pneumonia
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
Sep 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7376
Abstract
Non-ventilator associated hospital acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections in the non-intensive care acute care setting. The purpose of this performance improvement project was to implement enhanced oral care standards, verified through ongoing documentation and point-of-care surveillance, to promote a nursing practice change at the bedside and improve quality outcomes for the patient. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model provided the framework for this planned intervention. Using a multidisciplinary approach, a detailed curriculum and educational delivery plan were developed to prepare staff on the pilot unit for implementation of new oral care standards. Documentation of oral care delivery improved throughout the course of the pilot project. Direct observation monitoring revealed positive results in patient's mouth and oral mucosa moistness, cleanliness, and plaque-free state. Oral care is a fundamental, basic nursing intervention. This nurse-led practice change empowered staff to help reduce the risk of patient acquiring NV-HAP during their hospital stay. By incorporating enhanced oral care into daily practice, nursing staff are in a position to impact clinical outcomes and the health status of patients under their direct care.
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Details
- Title
- Nursing oral care standards
- Creators
- Teresa Kelly - DU
- Contributors
- Patti Rager Zuzelo (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 32 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctoral Nursing; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7376; 991014632395404721