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Recommended Citation
Daniels C, Reagan A, Morgen J, Safranski P, Hartmann N. Professional Governance Councils in a Regional Float Pool Improve Oral Care Compliance: A Collaborative Quality Improvement Initiative. Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background
Proper oral care in hospitalized patients is essential for preventing complications such as hospital acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Oral care completion compliance was inconsistent. Nursing established a 50% oral care completion rate target. Current Professional Governance councils in a regional float pool wish to impact local nursing metrics.
Local Problem
A regional float pool lacks nursing metrics specific to their department. Oral care completion rates are unknown. Members of two governance councils audited 146 teammate’s oral care, revealing a 33% documentation rate.
Method
Governance council members created a virtual auditing method using their system nursing dashboard for oral care compliance. A survey was sent to all teammates asking to identify compliance barriers: 61 respondents cited time constraints, increased patient workload, and lack of knowledge regarding importance of oral care and proper documentation procedures. Education was developed and delivered to all float pool teammates. Oral care accountability reminders were delivered at staff meetings and in newsletters to all teammates. Education highlighted clinical importance of oral care, impact on patient outcomes, and provided step-by-step guidance for accurate electronic documentation. It was communicated electronically, in staff meetings and in newsletters. After education, the council established a goal of 20 audits monthly. Results were shared in an electronic document and evaluated monthly.
Results/Conclusions
Oral care completions improved from 33% to 51% in 23 of 45 follow-up audits, exceeding the 50% target. Educational interventions and accountability reminders improved oral care compliance among float pool teammates. Data collection remains ongoing to determine sustainability.
Implications for Practice
Regional float pool professional governance councils were able to impact oral care completions improving patient care outcomes. Several unexpected findings occurred: improved awareness about the system nursing dashboard, a need for enhanced communication between the governance councils, and the use of a governance council’s charter for project sustainment.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Professional Governance Councils in a Regional Float Pool Improve Oral Care Compliance: A Collaborative Quality Improvement Initiative
Background
Proper oral care in hospitalized patients is essential for preventing complications such as hospital acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Oral care completion compliance was inconsistent. Nursing established a 50% oral care completion rate target. Current Professional Governance councils in a regional float pool wish to impact local nursing metrics.
Local Problem
A regional float pool lacks nursing metrics specific to their department. Oral care completion rates are unknown. Members of two governance councils audited 146 teammate’s oral care, revealing a 33% documentation rate.
Method
Governance council members created a virtual auditing method using their system nursing dashboard for oral care compliance. A survey was sent to all teammates asking to identify compliance barriers: 61 respondents cited time constraints, increased patient workload, and lack of knowledge regarding importance of oral care and proper documentation procedures. Education was developed and delivered to all float pool teammates. Oral care accountability reminders were delivered at staff meetings and in newsletters to all teammates. Education highlighted clinical importance of oral care, impact on patient outcomes, and provided step-by-step guidance for accurate electronic documentation. It was communicated electronically, in staff meetings and in newsletters. After education, the council established a goal of 20 audits monthly. Results were shared in an electronic document and evaluated monthly.
Results/Conclusions
Oral care completions improved from 33% to 51% in 23 of 45 follow-up audits, exceeding the 50% target. Educational interventions and accountability reminders improved oral care compliance among float pool teammates. Data collection remains ongoing to determine sustainability.
Implications for Practice
Regional float pool professional governance councils were able to impact oral care completions improving patient care outcomes. Several unexpected findings occurred: improved awareness about the system nursing dashboard, a need for enhanced communication between the governance councils, and the use of a governance council’s charter for project sustainment.
Affiliations
Flexible Workforce