Digital tool for better oral care in nursing homes
Assessment of the SmartJournal Intervention for Improved Oral Care in Nursing Homes: an Evaluation Study
This study tests whether a digital tool can help nursing home staff improve oral care for elderly residents and boost their overall health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 110 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Oral Health Center of Expertise Rogaland, Norway Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stavanger) |
| Trial ID | NCT05724043 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of SmartJournal, a digital tool designed to improve oral health care for elderly residents in nursing homes. It addresses common barriers faced by healthcare professionals, such as lack of knowledge and inadequate routines, by providing documentation, monthly assessments, and e-learning resources. The goal is to enhance oral hygiene practices and ultimately improve the overall health of care-dependent older adults. The study will involve nursing homes in Rogaland county, Norway, and assess both residents and nursing staff.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include long-term residents of nursing homes in Rogaland county, Norway, with or without dementia who can undergo oral examinations.
Not a fit: Patients who are critically ill, terminally ill, or receiving palliative care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve oral health outcomes for elderly patients in nursing homes.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar digital interventions in nursing homes, the approach of using technology to enhance oral care is gaining interest and shows promise.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA Nursing homes: * Located in Rogaland county, Norway * Long-term facilities Residents (patients): * Long-term residents (i.e., residents with the nursing home as their permanent address) * Residents with and without dementia, who can undergo oral examination Nursing staff: * All types of nursing staff (nurses, auxiliary nurses, students) * Full- and parttime staff EXCLUSION CRITERIA Nursing homes: * Specialized nursing homes (e.g., psychiatry, substance abuse) * Short-term facilities (e.g., rehabilitation, respite care) * Nursing homes already following a specific protocol for oral care and/or participate in other comprehensive interventions Residents (patients): * Short-term residents * Critically ill and terminal patients receiving palliative care Nursing staff: • Staff with purely administrative tasks (e.g., heads of institutions)
Where this trial is running
Stavanger
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise Rogaland, Norway — Stavanger, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elisabeth Lind Melbye, PhD — Oral Health Centre of Expertise Rogaland, Norway
- Study coordinator: Elisabeth Lind Melbye, PhD
- Email: elisabeth.lind.melbye@throg.no
- Phone: +47 93093299
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.