Oral care in palliative patients
Professor Gunhild V. Strand
Main content
Painful oral conditions are a significant problem for most patients with serious illness and palliative care needs. The main reasons are drugs and disease treatment. Oral conditions can lead to worsening of the disease and reduced quality of life. Scientific basis for procedures and efficient products is weak. However, carrying out frequent and regular cleaning and lubrication provides relief.
Project:
Analysis of Mucin - Comparison of saliva from severely ill patients and healthy individuals.
The purpose is to compare the protein composition in severely ill patients with dry mouth to saliva from healthy individuals. Saliva samples were taken from 30 patients at Sunniva Center for Palliative Care and from 30 gender- and age-matched controls. The samples were sent to the laboratory at the University of Copenhagen for analysis (ref. Professor Anne Marie Lynge Pedersen).
The project has REK approval (2016/2316/REK) North and is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03400969).
Project:
Qualitative Analysis and Moisturizing Properties of Saliva Substitutes Using Infrared Spectroscopy and Contact Angle Measurements
The purpose is to investigate properties of saliva substitutes that may be significant for function and effect.
University of Bergen, Department of Chemistry and Department of Clinical Dentistry.
Prosjekt:
Mouth Care Project
Project by the Competence Center in Palliative Care, Helse Bergen, and the Palliative Care Institute Liverpool
The project is a collaboration between the member countries of The International Collaborative for Best Care for the Dying Person. The purpose is to map procedures for oral care in the various member countries. The survey has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quality of oral care in nursing homes
The purpose of the study is to test various models to improve oral hygiene in nursing homes.
Project
We believe we have developed a model that yields results based on BSI data from approximately 20 years ago. The study is a collaboration with the Public Dental Health Service, and the final report/article is currently being prepared.