[Effects of an Oral Care Program on the Swallowing Function in Post-Operative Patients With Oral Cancer].

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is the fourth leading cause of death among men in Taiwan. Dysphagia, choking, and aspiration pneumonia are often noted in post-operative patients with oral cancer. Improving patients' swallowing function is an urgent problem that cannot be neglected. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of an oral care program on the swallowing function of post-operative patients with oral cancer. METHODS: A quasi-experimental research design was conducted and post-operative patients with oral cancer were recruited. The experimental group (n = 20) received 12 weeks of the oral care program intervention, while the control group (n = 20) received standard post-operative care. The modified barium swallow (MBS) study and self-rated degree of dysphagia were compared between the two groups after the intervention period. RESULTS: Post-intervention scores on the MBS test and for the self-rated degree of dysphagia were significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Performing the oral care program was found to improve the swallowing function of post-operative patients with oral cancer. The results of the present study provide a reference for healthcare providers to improve quality of care.