Percepção da enfermagem sobre a higiene oral ao paciente hospitalizado

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the perception, importance and factors that interfere with adequate oral hygiene for hospitalized patients, in the view of nurses, technicians and nursing assistants. Method: Field and qualitative research, carried out in a hospital in the Midwest of São Paulo with 16 participants. Data collection was carried out through a semi-structured interview with two guiding questions about the perception, importance and factors that interfere with this care. The data were analyzed using the Content Analysis Technique in the thematic modality. Results: two thematic categories emerged from the analysis: 1. Relevance of oral hygiene - points out the organization and routine and the materials used in this care and 2. Factors that interfere in the performance of oral hygiene - they claim, primarily, lack of material and human resources to oral hygiene. Conclusions: professionals recognize the importance of oral hygiene for health maintenance and point out the precariousness of nursing work.