2024 Volume 44 Pages 841-852
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the status of nurses’ oral assessment performances and associated factors in pediatric-related hospital wards to determine their oral assessment performances.
Method: A self-administered questionnaire regarding oral assessment performance was distributed among the nurses working at pediatric wards, neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and growing care units (GCU) in six hospitals. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and binomial logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis.
Results: Of 380 nurses who received the questionnaire, 280 nurses responded (response rate: 73.6%). The percentages of oral assessment performance based on the site of observation were 39.3%–97.9% in pediatric wards and 5.8%–94.2% in NICU/GCU. The associated factors included knowledge and confidence regarding oral assessment, willingness to acquire information regarding oral assessment, collaboration with dental health professionals, and the presence of an affiliated dental hospital as an environmental factor.
Conclusion: It was suggested that education to increase knowledge, confidence, and NICU/GCU awareness of oral assessment in pediatric wards may contribute to improved implementation rates.
