A suggestion of the new oral health care system for the caregivers at the long-term care facilities / 대한구강보건학회지

ABSTRACT

Objectives@#This study aims to suggest ways to improve the oral care competencies of caregivers by strengthening oral care services for the elderly with mobility difficulties in long-term care facilities. @*Methods@#Through a web survey, 215 caregivers were invited, their actual situation was identified, and necessary educational tasks were listed. We developed 16 types of card news, two types of songs, and four types of video clips that can be used in the field for the listed educational topics. Several meetings with expert developers resulted in developing the components and design of an oral health management platform for caregivers in long-term care facilities. @*Results@#As a result of the web survey, many caregivers in long-term care facilities needed education or information on oral care methods, and many people felt difficulties in oral care for the elderly. About 40% of the caregivers had no experience in oral health education, and many learned how to care through unsystematic apprenticeships. Most of the education content that caregivers prioritized were brushing teeth and denture management, but there were also needs such as management of dementia and bedridden patients, non-cooperative oral care, nutrition management, and oral auxiliary products use. @*Conclusions@#In conclusion, this study reviewed and suggested digital platforms such as strengthening caregivers’ competency in long-term care facilities, providing customized educational information, discovering oral problems of the elderly, and reporting oral difficulties to experts.