Educational issues in oral care.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the importance of patient, family, and health care professional education in enhancing oral care and adherence to treatment regimens. DATA SOURCE: Textbooks, review articles, and research studies. CONCLUSION: Oral complications of cancer therapy influence both patient outcomes and fiscal outcomes. Patient awareness of the importance of oral health improves adherence to the oral care standard. However, the lack of knowledge of health professionals is a barrier to implementing patient education and oral care standards. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Curriculum should incorporate oral assessment and oral hygiene. Training of oncology nurses must include assessment, prevention, and treatment of oral mucositis.