The Effect of Oral Care Using an Oral Health Care Guide on Preventing Mucositis in Pediatric Intensive Care

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of standard-of-care oral care guides developed specifically for children in intensive care to prevent mucositis. Design and Methods This prospective, interventional and single-group study design was performed in the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital in Istanbul between January and December 2014. Daily oral care was implemented to pediatric patients in the study group in line with an oral care guide developed by the researchers. Data were collected using the data collection form and oral mucositis assessment scale published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Results Oral mucositis occurred in 16 (5.2%) patients in the pre-intervention group and 7 (2.5%) in the post-intervention group, 10 patients had grade 1, and 6 patients had grade 2 oral mucositis in the pre-intervention group, and in the post-intervention group, three patients had grade 1, and four patients had grade 2 oral mucositis. Although more patients in the pre-intervention group had mucositis than in the post-intervention group, the differences were not statistically significant ( P  = 0.067). Conclusions Oral mucositis can be reduced through the practice of administering oral care in accordance with oral healthcare guidelines. Practice Implications Oral care implemented in line with an evidence-based oral care guide and frequent observation of patients are the most important steps in preventing oral mucositis.