Challenges in Providing Oral Care to Elderly Adults Receiving Institutional Care in Japan

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25780307
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Sociology
• Research Institution: Ochanomizu University
• Principal Investigator: HOGETSU Rie お茶の水女子大学, リーダーシップ養成教育研究センター, 特任講師 (10571739)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 口腔ケア / 高齢者介護 / 多職種協働 / 専門職研究 / 食支援

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Recently, in Japan, oral care for the elderly has received increased attention due to the realization that it can help prevent aspiration pneumonia and improve eating and swallowing ability. However, neither facility-based nor homecare services have fully implemented oral care for the elderly, especially those requiring nursing care. This study examines barriers to implementation of oral care, via in-depth group interviews of oral care providers, participant observation, and a content analysis of journals of various professional associations. The results are as follows. First, oral care for the elderly in medical institutions is more effective than that in facilities. Second, the patients’/service recipients’ family relationships affect implementation of oral care. Third, their longstanding cultural habits related to dental care affect autonomous oral care in facilities. Finally, oral care has low priority due to chronic manpower shortage especially in public facilities.

Free Research Field

医療社会学