Are we looking after the holistic care needs of palliative patients?

Palliative care patients commonly experience multiple oral complications. (Wilberg etal 2012) There are several different guidelines in the UK for oral care of palliative care patients. (NICE CKS 2016) (NHS Scotland 2017) (Watson et al 2011) (UKOMIC 2015)

However, these guidelines are not consistent with each other, and the evidence base for some recommendations is lacking. Poor oral health has a huge impact on quality of life, and can also lead to further medical complications (Matsuo et al 2016). As such, it is important that the oral health of these patients is considered and maintained throughout their end of life care.

In order to help achieve this, we are aiming to bridge the gap between guidelines and practical application, and create more user-friendly guidance which is clear and concise. As a first step, we have recently sent out a survey to find out what oral care is currently being provided on a day to day basis, and gain insight from the experience of those currently working in Palliative Care.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/J8Z75QL

We hope the results from this survey will help bring together the invaluable experience from carers and health care assistants, and expertise from doctors and dentists to inform future guidelines and recommendations. With these we can help provide the best care we can for these patients, and improve quality of life in their last days.