Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
March 2017
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
18
Issue:
1

The development of a mouthcare information leaflet for carers of older people

Abstract
Aim: To design a written information leaflet to support carers when providing mouthcare for older people. Method: A literature search to identify existing information leaflets, recommendations on producing written healthcare information and current evidence based oral healthcare. Searches were carried out using the key words: carer, oral health, elderly, care homes, education, training and oral health promotion plus denture cleaning, tooth brushing, diet supplements and dry mouth. A draft leaflet was then produced and assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch Kincaid Grade Level, Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) calculator, the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool (EQIP) and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). The leaflet was peer reviewed by colleagues within Community Dental Service, Oral Health Promotion team and a Public Health Practitioner. It was further evaluated by carers using a structured questionnaire. Results: The leaflet scored well with regards to its readability and EQIP scores and could be easily understood by most carers. There were 33 respondents to the evaluation questionnaire, of which 85% felt that the leaflet was good to very good and 60% said it increased their knowledge and confidence when providing mouth care. Conclusion: A high quality, simple information leaflet was produced that supported carers when providing mouth care for older people.
Key words: Carer, oral health prevention, elderly, education, assessing healthcare information

10.443/JDOH/Fitzpatrick_06

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
4
Page End
9
Authors
R Fitzpatrick, V Jones

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 2
  3. 3

  1. The development of a mouthcare information leaflet for carers of older people
  2. 4
  3. 9

  1. Audit of the use of clinical holding at Birmingham Community Healthcare Special Care Dental Service
  2. 10
  3. 15

  1. Patient and carer involvement in evaluating a toothbrushing programme for children and young people with neurological motor impairment
  2. 16
  3. 22

  1. Continuing Professional Development Programme
  2. 23
  3. 24

  1. Diary Dates 2017-2018
  2. 25
  3. 25

2024 rates