Smyth, W., and Keeley, T. (2011) An audit of radiation-induced mucositis in a tropical cancer centre: the importance of adhering to a mouth care regimen. Wound Practice and Research, 19 (2). pp. 98-101.

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Abstract

In order to reduce the incidence and severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers, an oral gel product was added to the mouth care regimen in a regional northern Australian facility. An audit of the medical records of 20 patients who underwent radiation therapy was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of this more comprehensive mouth care regimen. All patients in this sample developed oral mucositis by the end of their radiation treatment: 21% had a low grade, 79% progressed to the higher Grade III. All patients who did not adhere with the full mouth care regimen experienced a Grade III oral mucositis; only half of the patients who adhered with the full mouth care regimen experienced the more severe Grade III mucositis. It is imperative that nurses actively support patients to follow the prescribed mouth care regimens to minimise oral complications associated with radiation therapy.

Item ID:	21154
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1323-2495
Date Deposited:	26 Mar 2012 03:24
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1110 Nursing > 111099 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920210 Nursing @ 100%
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