Is an oral health coaching programme a way to sustain oral health for elderly people in nursing homes? A feasibility study.

Objectives: This study examines the feasibility of an oral health coaching programme involving practical support on individual level to staff in a nursing home in Sweden, aiming to improve oral health care-related beliefs of nursing staff and the oral health of residents.

Methods: This intervention study consisted of three wards from one nursing home, and both staff (n = 48) and residents (n = 58) were invited. In the control ward, 9 staff and 16 residents participated; in test ward 1, 10 staff and 13 residents participated; and at test ward 2, 14 staff and 17 residents participated. An oral health coaching programme was performed 4 h/wk for 3 months. The staff completed the nursing Dental Coping Beliefs Scale at baseline and after 9 months. Oral health of the residents was assessed using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide and mucosal-plaque score at baseline and after 3, 6 and 9 months.

Results: At baseline, 33 staff participated and 22 at 9 months follow-up. For the residents, the figures were 48 and 32, respectively. After the intervention, the nursing DCBS revealed changes related to usage of fluoride, oral health support, gum disease and approximal cleaning. The most frequently reported oral health problems among the residents pertained to teeth and gums. The residents' relatively high level of oral health was stable during the study period.

Conclusions: Despite limitations in the programme, an oral health coaching programme can support nursing staff in maintaining a high level of oral health in residents. The programme was shown feasible, although design improvements are needed.