Mouth Care Matters leads from hospital trusts were invited to take part in a training day for first year student nurses. Delivering training sessions at the university of Surrey on 6th and 7th February 2017.
The aim was to educate and engage the student nurses on the importance of oral care for hospitalised patients. To also demonstrate the impact poor oral health can have on general health. With interactive and engaging practical sessions taking place.
Students were enthusiastic to learn different techniques and approaches to giving oral care, particularly to elderly,or confused patients. Students were also encouraged to brush each others teeth. As a result this demonstrated how it may feel to be a patient receiving mouth care. A small soft toothbrush was used to demonstrate the difference to how it can feel and the change in level of comfort.
Students looked at examples of conditions in the mouth that they could encounter on the wards. This highlighted the importance of looking in the mouth. Students heard simple measures that explained and demonstrated what they could do to prevent deterioration and ease discomfort of patients.
The Mouth Care Matters leads were from:
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust,
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust,
- Royal Surrey County hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
- Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The leads were working together with future NHS nurses to hopefully make a difference to patient care.
Lorraine Lee, Mouth Care Matters Nurse said ” it was great to see the Mouth Care Matters team, leads and students learning together.”