Mouth Care Matters - Oral hygiene & healthcare associated infection

In this episode we return to another ICM favourite topic, healthcare-associated pneumonia that is not device-associated. Martin Kiernan talks to Dr Mark Garvey, Director of Infection Prevention and Helen Woodall, Senior Dental Nurse, both of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust about the 'Mouth Care Matters' initiative. Education of registered nurses and healthcare assistants was a key part of the strategy, which ultimately resulted in a significant reduction in infections.

Note that in England a 'Trust' is an NHS healthcare provider organisation which may be made up of more than one hospital or unit.

The paper outlining the initiative and results can be found here https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(21)00275-9/fulltext