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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 Nov;38(6):345-355.
doi: 10.1111/scd.12327. Epub 2018 Sep 8.

Iowa nursing facility oral hygiene (INFOH) intervention: A clinical and microbiological pilot randomized trial

Leonardo Marchini  1 , Erica Recker  2 , Jennifer Hartshorn  3 , Howard Cowen  4 , David Lynch  5 , David Drake  6 , Derek R Blanchette  7 , Deborah V Dawson  8 , Michael Kanellis  9 , Daniel Caplan  10
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Iowa nursing facility oral hygiene (INFOH) intervention: A clinical and microbiological pilot randomized trial

Leonardo Marchini et al. Spec Care Dentist. 2018 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose/aim: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate feasibility and gather initial data for a definitive study to test the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of a nursing facility (NF) customized oral hygiene protocol, intended to be delivered by dental hygienists and NF personnel.

Materials and methods: A convenience sample of 8 Eastern Iowa NFs was recruited, and each NF was assigned to one of three intervention groups: (1) control (current oral hygiene practice), (2) educational program only, and (3) educational program plus 1% chlorhexidine varnish monthly application. Demographic information, systemic health data, patient centered data, oral health data, and microbiology samples were collected at baseline and after 6 months.

Results: Recruitment response rates were 21% for NFs and 23% for residents. A total of 81 residents were examined at baseline and of those, 49 were examined at 6 months (39.5% attrition). There were no statistically or clinically significant differences among the intervention groups at 6 months for any of the recorded clinical or microbiological outcomes.

Conclusions: Recruitment and retention posed a significant challenge to this trial, even with a relatively short observation period. Results from this pilot study did not encourage further investigation of this customized oral hygiene protocol.

Keywords: aged; frail elderly; geriatric dentistry; nursing homes.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
INFOH Study flow diagram.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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