A survey of pediatric oncology nurses’ oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers in a Singapore Tertiary Children’s Hospital

AIM: To explore oral health-related knowledge, abilities, attitudes, practices, and barriers of pediatric oncology nurses at an Asian children’s hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-administered anonymized questionnaire. Data was analyzed to summarize knowledge, confidence, and practice behaviors. RESULTS: All sixty-three pediatric oncology nurses responded. Fifteen participants had >80% of the knowledge questions correct. Majority (97.3%) agreed on their roles in helping patients maintain their oral health. However, 75.8% of participants felt need for training in giving oral health advice. Notably, 74.6% checked patients’ mouths at least once daily but only 57.1% felt adequately trained. Though a high proportion (>90%) of nurses felt confident to assist with oral care, only 65% would assist patients to do so; “Uncooperative patient” was the major barrier reported. DISCUSSION: Nurses have high general awareness of importance of oral health, but had incomplete knowledge. Compared to previous studies, most (90.5%) did not find performing oral care unpleasant but other barriers might have hindered actual oral care practice. CONCLUSION: Nurses were motivated to assist in oral care of children with cancer but sometimes felt ill-equipped. Updated national and institution guidelines, didactic and hands-on training, and implementation of practical support could be considered.