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Table 4 A dental hygienist competencies for POHC of endotracheally intubated patients in the intensive care unit

From: Development of a competency for professional oral hygiene care of endotracheally-intubated patients in the intensive care unit: development and validity evidence

Competency

Subcategories of competency

Behavioral indicators

1. Professionalism

(7 indicator)

Ethical behaviors

1.1 Protects patients’ personal information.

1.2 Assesses the patient’s consciousness level and informs the patient of the content of maintenance if they are conscious (e.g., the beginning and end of POHCa)

1.3 Reports to the medical staff in charge (physician or nurse) if the patient exhibits problems.

Professional behaviors

1.4 Sets regular times for POHC or acts in compliance with pre-set times.

1.5 Actively participates in the training to provide POHC.

1.6 Understands the purpose and importance of POHC in intubated patients and is able to explain these to the caregiver if needed.

1.7 Has knowledge of sterilization and sanitization processes in order to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Preparation for POHC

(10 indicator)

Performing infection control

2.1 Ensures appropriate hand hygiene.

2.2 Has knowledge of the required personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, mask, eye shield, protective clothes, etc.) and prepares accurately.

Patient preparation

2.3 Confirms the patient’s date of admission and diagnosis and evaluates the patient’s eligibility for POHC after consulting with the physician in charge.

2.4 Assesses the patient’s consciousness level and endotracheal intubation status.

2.5 Requests the medical staff in charge to assess the position of the endotracheal tube.

2.6 Requests the medical staff in charge to assess the cuff pressure of the endotracheal tube.

2.7 Reports to the medical staff in charge when abnormalities are found in the oral cavity and provides appropriate treatment.

Preparation for POHC

2.8 Examines the patient’s oral condition (e.g., oral tissue, saliva, etc.) and enters the examination outcomes into the recording sheet.

2.9 Prepares the tools and equipment required for each individual patient at the time of POHC.

2.10 Turns on the aspirator and connects the disposable suction tube to the aspirator.

3. Performing POHC

(6 indicator)

Performing infection control

3.1 Performs the necessary infection control during POHC (e.g., ensuring hand hygiene, wearing personal protective equipment, etc.).

Assessing patient condition

3.2 Consults with the medical staff in charge to ensure a safe and comfortable position for the patient while undergoing POHC.

Performing

POHC

3.3 Has knowledge of the normal range of oxygen saturation levels and reports to the medical staff in charge if abnormal levels are observed during POHC.

3.4 Has knowledge of POHC for ICU patients undergoing endotracheal intubation and utilizes the appropriate equipment for POHC.

3.5 Uses the appropriate necessary medication based on the patient’s condition (e.g., chlorhexidine, gel to relieve mouth dryness, etc.)

3.6 Removes saliva or solution used for POHC using an aspirator or gauze.

4. Evaluation of POHC

(8 indicator)

Organizing POHC equipment and materials

4.1 Assesses potential residual solution or saliva in the oral cavity after POHC and removes it if needed.

4.2 Enters the performed procedures and outcomes (i.e., notes on patient condition, type of saliva, etc.) in the recording sheet.

4.3 Cleans the equipment properly and disposes of all materials and solutions appropriately.

4.4 Appropriately cleans, sterilizes, sanitizes, and stores the used equipment.

4.5 Prepares the items required for the next POHC in advance.

Assessing patient condition

4.6 Asks the medical staff in charge to confirm the appropriate positioning of the endotracheal intubation after management.

4.7 Confirms the safety of the patient’s posture after POHC and asks for confirmation from the medical staff in charge.

4.8 Assesses the patient’s condition and communicates with the medical staff in charge to transfer the patient to receive additional dental treatment if necessary.

5. Cooperation among experts

(7 indicator)

Professional behaviors

5.1 Follows the regulations and takes responsibility for their own actions within the team.

5.2 Puts active effort into achieving the common goals of the team.

Problem-solving abilities

5.3 Observes the performance of the teammates and assesses improvements that need to be made.

5.4 Asks for help or provides help to teammates if needed.

5.5 Respects the teammates and puts effort into understanding their situation and position.

Communication

5.6 Communicates with fluency using official language/vocabulary.

5.7 Cooperates with the POHC team members or other medical staff to provide optimal oral hygiene management service.

  1. a professional oral hygiene care