As part of their Honours research, the students created a suite of concise, evidence-based videos covering the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and common oral health issues experienced by adult inpatients.
The videos were developed to support staff awareness and confidence in recognising, assessing and managing oral health concerns as part of routine patient care.
The project supports Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care recommendations that oral health assessments be completed within 24 hours of an adult patient's admission.
Evaluation of the resources found they improved nurses' self-reported confidence across all oral health screening areas, particularly in identifying oral health problems and taking appropriate action when concerns were identified.
The videos will now be embedded within ERH workflows as an ongoing educational resource and form part of the health service's broader clinical risk screening process for adult patients.
Elizabeth McKeown, Quality Improvement Consultant and Team Leader, and Ruth Glanville, Research Coordinator at ERH, said the project had delivered a practical resource that would support quality care into the future.
"The educational videos have provided our staff with accessible learning tools that build confidence in recognising and responding to oral health concerns," they said.
"The partnership has created an opportunity to develop a valuable educational tool, trial it successfully and continue to use it moving forward to support quality care."
"Working with La Trobe University students supports translating research and knowledge of best practice into real-world care in the hospital setting, making implementation more achievable."
Dr Sudheer Babu Balla, Lecturer in Dentistry and Oral Health and Dental Honours Coordinator at La Trobe Rural Health School, said the collaboration showed the value of connecting student learning with the needs of regional health services.
"By working closely with Echuca Regional Health, our Dental Honours students were able to translate evidence-based knowledge into practical resources that support clinicians, strengthen patient care and deliver lasting benefits for regional communities," Dr Balla said.
