Solutions to Enhance Oral Care Among Hospitalised Patients: A Participatory Design Process Developed Jointly by Patients and Healthcare Professionals

Aim: To develop solutions to address previously identified barriers for oral care among hospitalised patients. Background: Oral care is a crucial component of nursing practice, which is to promote patients' overall health. Despite recognising the significance of oral care in nursing, the implementation of effective oral care practice is insufficient. In a previous study, we identified four barriers to oral care. Thus, it is relevant to develop solutions in response to these barriers. To our knowledge, there is a lack of research reporting on sustainable interventions to enhance oral care. Design: A qualitative study using participatory design methodology developed solutions to enhance oral care for hospitalised patients through collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals. Methods: A participatory design approach was applied, situated in a phenomenological-hermeneutic epistemology. In total, seven workshops were conducted, with the participation of 7 patients and 55 healthcare professionals. Data analysis was based on systematic text condensation, inspired by Malterud. Results: The study provided two solutions for increasing knowledge of oral care among healthcare professionals and patients. Conclusions: A ‘goodie bag’ was developed to provide patients with knowledge and items for oral care. Individual adjustments are needed to tailor the knowledge to individual information needs, support health literacy and prevent information overload. A solution involving an oral care network of key stakeholders from the hospital wards, facilitated by dental hygienists, was developed to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge, skills and competencies regarding oral care. A structured way to establish the network is by using Kotter's 8-step change model to prepare clinical practice for change and effectively anchor the network. These solutions embody the core aims of the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health for 2023–2030. Impact: The solutions will be tested in clinical practice, followed by an evaluation with patients and healthcare professionals.