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P-65 Caring for the mouth: a guide to addressing mouthcare problems in palliative care

bmjspcare · 2025-11-21 · canonical JSON source

2 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Background Mouth problems are prevalent at end of life and can affect quality of life (Gustafsson, Skogsberg, Rejnö. BMC Palliat Care. 2021 Nov 10;20(1):173). Sore or dry mouth is a symptom listed on the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) for patients to rate how it affects them, often it is one of the most problematic symptoms (Johnston, Miller, Normand, et al. BMC Palliat Care. 2024;23(1):46). The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Specialist Palliative Care Team identified that there was a lack of appropriate resources to help manage this symptom. The team found they were giving verbal advice that was often overwhelming or forgotten, or they were spending time writing information.Aims To produce a resource for patients to use to address problems with their mouths.Methods Information on managing mouthcare problems was evaluated, including resources already available and the NICE guidelines for palliative care – oral (Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Palliative Care – oral. [internet] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 2025) were also reviewed.An advice leaflet was then produced, including ways to take care of the mouth and suggestions on how to manage specific symptoms such as dry mouth and taste changes. Feedback was gained from stakeholders, ENT and dentistry services about the content of the leaflet. The leaflet was then produced by the trust’s publications team.Results Initially 100 leaflets were printed, these were all given out to patients within six months which shows how common problems with the mouth are within palliative care. Feedback was gained from staff and patients – there was a positive response to improvements in symptoms and usefulness of the leaflet. The leaflet is now being used trust-wide in all teams, not just specifically within the specialist palliative care team.Conclusion The need for a bespoke leaflet to use in the management of mouth problems has proven to be very successful for patients and staff.