Dental and nursing collaboration in oral healthcare research in palliative care inpatient settings

Abstract

Collaboration between palliative care nurses and oral health professionals has been frequently recommended to ensure optimal oral healthcare. However, the importance of this collaboration to the success of evidence-based protocols, involving oral healthcare interventions in the inpatient palliative care setting, is less discussed. Feasibility requires consideration during the planning, intervention and implementation phases of any clinical trial; all of which typically rely on good collaboration with nursing staff. Therefore, it is imperative that nursing staff appreciate the need for oral healthcare at the end of a person's life. Nursing and dental collaboration is critical to the feasibility of running research trials in this group and can help overcome some of the logistical and ethical challenges in this vulnerable population.