Elderly patients hospitalized with dysphagia have an increased risk of respiratory
complications, including aspiration pneumonia. Evidence suggests that oral hygiene
regimens may reduce this risk. Despite this, the provision of oral care in acute care
hospitals is variable and particularly limited in care settings for the elderly. This literature
review explores barriers to the implementation of oral care, including lack
of evidence-based protocols and inadequate accountability structures within organizations,
low staff knowledge, staff attitudes and beliefs, and patient-related factors
such as non-compliance. . Organizational factors appear to be an important issue and
require further research to improve the outcomes of this vulnerable population.
