Factors influencing oral care in intubated intensive care patients

Background The practice of oral care in intensive care settings remains inconsistent among intubated patients, yet these patients are at high risk of developing ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to adopt safe professional behaviour based on clinical practice guidelines. This study was based on Ajzen's (1985) theory of planned behavior, a conceptual framework that allows a better understanding of how internal and external factors influence behaviour adoption. Aims and objectives To study influential factors in how nurses practice oral care with intubated clients in intensive care settings, referring to the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs. Design A cross‐sectional descriptive correlational design was conducted through a provincial postal survey in Quebec, Canada. Methods A questionnaire was completed by 375 nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). Results Perceived behavioural control and attitude were the most important determinants in the level of intention to engage in oral care. Knowledge, available human and material resources, and number of years of experience in critical care nursing also seemed to be significant influencing factors. Conclusions This study improved our understanding of the factors influencing the practice of oral care in intubated patients in the ICU, relying on TPB as an explanatory framework. It would be important to continue to study this professional behaviour and to work in collaboration with health care facilities to promote the importance of oral care as an imperative for the safety and quality of health care. Relevance to clinical practice The results of this study represent a solid foundation for advancing continuing education programmes and intensive care orientation programmes tailored to the needs of nurses.