Abstract:
Background of the study: Oral care is a vital procedure for critically ill patients in the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to promote oral hygiene that decreases microbial colonization in
the oropharynx and dental plaque as well as reduce aspiration of contaminated saliva. Despite
available evidence of significant oral care to critically ill patients, ICU nurses' knowledge of
oral care does not reflect their practice. Nevertheless, there are high mortality rates
attributable to the complication of poor oral hygiene in Tanzania for patients admitted to ICU
in the tertiary referral hospitals.
Objective: This study aimed to explore nurse practices and experiences of providing oral care
to critically ill patients at the intensive care unit, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar Es
Salaam, Tanzania
Materials and methods: An explorative descriptive qualitative design was employed to 18
registered nurses from medical ICU at Muhimbili National Hospital. An in-depth interview
guide with open ended question was used to collect data from registered who were recruited
purposively for an interview. To complement the interview, eighteen observations were
conducted to the same participants to observe nurses' practice regarding oral care to critically
ill patients. Thematic analysis using the deductive approach was performed by using pre-set
thematic questions to guide analysis.
Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis of interview. “Oral care as nursing
intervention in ICU patient” emerged as a theme describing key nursing intervention in
provision of oral care to critically ill patient. Also, “prevention of potential risk of
complication from oral disease and improve patient well-being” this theme indicates implication of oral care to critically ill patient. Lastly was the “Limiting factor for good oral
care practice in ICU” this theme describes the obstacles or barrier faced by nurses when
providing oral care to critically ill patients.
Conclusion: The study highlighted the most important and unique experiences of providing
oral care to critically ill patients. Besides, nurses face some of the barrier when practice oral
care to critically ill patient. Therefore, finding revealed crucial role especially a nursing
intervention on preventing oral diseases to improve quality of life among critically ill patients
at MNH.
