Health education intervention in a health residence for disabled: socio-sanitary operator training

HEALTH EDUCATION INTERVENTION IN A HEALTH RESIDENCE FOR DISABLED: SOCIO-SANITARY OPERATOR TRAINING I. Casula, L. Giroletti, T. Anzaldi, E. Marchesini, A. Ganda, L. Bonfanti, M. Bianchi Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health (DSMC), University of Brescia Aim Patients with disabilities can’t take care of themselves. Socio-sanitary operators have to help them managing daily routine and, sometimes, oral care is underestimate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral hygiene training program to socio-sanitary operators for people with disabilities in a nursing home. Materials The Dental Hygiene Course of the University of Brescia and the Social Cooperative Nikolajewka Onlus created a collaboration in 2008, 2012, 2016 to monitor and control oral care in patients with disabilities. A correct and complete hygiene for these individuals can only be achieved through constant training and motivation; therefore in 2017 a new health education program began. The project consisted of theoretical and practical lessons, based on the knowledge level of the socio-sanitary operator involved. To simplify the healthcare assistant work, poster showing the correct oral hygiene procedures have been created. The lessons were performed in six meetings about two hours long (four theoretical and two practical) and were addressed to 52 healthcare workers. The theoretical and practical lessons had the following purpose: · To choose the correct oral hygiene techniques and instruments for specific type of patient disability; · To prevent the need of urgent dental and periodontal treatments; · To contribute to the entire patient’s health, with oral health being an integral part of it; · To help improving the aesthetics look for a better social acceptance. The research has included three stages: 1° stage: administration of a survey with specific questions about knowledge and attitude towards oral hygiene of the socio-sanitary operator. 2° stage: theoretical and practical lessons based on different topics of oral hygiene. 3° stage: practical verification of the theoretical and practical lessons and compilation of an evaluation questionnaire by the dental hygienist. In the practical part, these aspects have been verified: ✓ The correct position of the healthcare workers; ✓ The correct application of the provided protocol for the patient's specific physical or mental condition; ✓ The accuracy of the brushing technique; ✓ The duration of the brushing; ✓ The hygiene of the prosthesis; ✓ The condition of the toothbrush; ✓ The availability of all materials needed for daily oral hygiene. The results obtained from this new educational project were then compared with those obtained from the previous studies in 2008, 2012 and 2016 in order to verify the evolution of theoretical and practical knowledge of healthcare workers. Results After comparing the results obtained from this study with those obtained from the previous projects, it is possible to notice significant changes. Today we can affirm that healthcare workers are well informed about the etiology and the prevention of dental and periodontal diseases. In the practical part, the healthcare workers were able to apply the correct brushing technique and to choose the correct position. However the brushing time for patient’s teeth could be improved. Conclusion The dental hygienist plays an essential role in the health department thanks to a constant updating in oral hygiene. Motivation and instruction are the fundamental reference point to promote oral health. So the dental hygienist has to motivate and teach all those involved in the care and treatment of other people, especially patient with disabilities, in order to avoid pathological diseases.