구강간호교육이 항암화학요법 환자의 구강불편감에 미치는 효과

The Effects of Mouth Care Education on Oral Discomfort of Cancer Patient Undergoing Chemotherapy

  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of mouth care education on oral discomfort of cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy. Method: Time series design with the nonequivalent control group was used for this experimental study. Forty patients undergoing chemotherapy at 4 hospitals in Daegu were divided into two groups: Twenty were placed in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. The experimental group was educated, according to oral care protocol which included oral cleansing, gentle brushing and gargling with saline to reduce irritation. Control group received usual care. Both groups received detailed information on the cancer chemotherapy as well as signs and symptoms of oral discomforts. Result: The results showed that frequent gargle with sterlized saline reduced oral discomfort as well as the number of oral lesions, which was the consequence of successful mouth care education. Conclusion: This study showed that encouragement of mouth care through patient education is very effective for the reduction of oral discomfort of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy regimen.