Ms Jana Havlis1, Ms Nicolette Varvounis1
1Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Australia
Biography:
Jana Havlis is a senior speech pathologist at Lyell McEwin Hospital, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network. She has over 10 years experience in adult acute dysphagia and communication disorders. More recently has gained experience with managing communication disorders and dysphagia with consumers within older persons mental health and forensic health.
Abstract:
The NALHN Stroke Unit participated in the Flinders University (FUSA) pilot project Screen-Clean-Hydrate, a multisite quality improvement initiative. This project used evidence-based practice and national stroke guidelines to develop a bundle of care for swallow screening, oral care and hydration management. The project resulted in an increase of oral care planning from 3% to 77% and oral care delivery from 27% to 70% in the Stroke Unit.
Following the pilot project’s conclusion, NALHN Speech Pathology took the initiative to continue implementing the core principles of oral care identified in Screen-Clean-Hydrate. This aimed to maintain and further improve oral care planning and delivery compliance.
NALHN Speech Pathology prioritised the full implementation of oral care practices, addressing acknowledged gaps in knowledge and skills among allied health and nursing staff. This included focusing on ongoing education, developing standardised procedures, and creating work instructions to ensure consistency care delivery across staff.
To achieve these goals, NALHN Speech Pathology established a collaboration with SA Dental. Together they developed tailored education for nursing and allied health staff, along with site-specific tools and work instructions. These included patient oral care plans, implementation of the Oral Health Assessment Tool with associated therapeutic guidelines, and both face-to-face and online training.
Upon completing the implementation of education, tools, and work instructions, NALHN Speech Pathology plans to conduct supplementary audits. These audits will track the maintenance and further improvement of oral care for stroke patient, ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the initiative.