Background
Patients with head and neck cancer often face serious oral health issues during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These problems can include painful sores in the mouth, infections, difficulty speaking and eating, bleeding gums, and stiff tissue.
Study Overview
This study aimed to see how effective a specific oral care plan (OCIP) was in improving oral health and reducing complications. One group of patients followed this structured oral care plan, while another group received standard care. The patients were monitored weekly for up to 6 weeks during their treatment. A total of 80 patients participated in this study.
Key Findings
The study found that:
- 42.5% of patients in the OCIP group had tongue cancer, compared to 32.5% in the standard care group.
- Most patients (57.5% in OCIP and 67.5% in standard care) were treated with chemoradiation.
- Patients in the OCIP group experienced significant delays in developing oral complications like mouth sores, trouble swallowing, and difficulty chewing.
- As treatment continued, the severity of oral problems increased in both groups.
- Overall, the OCIP improved oral health scores compared to standard care.
Conclusion
The results suggest that the OCIP is beneficial in maintaining oral health for cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemoradiation. While it does not completely prevent oral complications, it helps delay their onset. This study supports the use of an oral care kit with proven interventions for these patients.
Opportunities for Improvement
Based on the trial data, clinics can:
- Define measurable outcomes to track the effectiveness of oral care interventions.
- Set clear goals for improving oral health in patients undergoing treatment.
- Select AI tools that meet specific clinical needs for managing oral health.
- Implement a pilot project to test these interventions and track results using AI solutions.
Contact Us
For more information on AI solutions in medical management, reach out to us:
- Telegram: https://t.me/itinai
- X: https://x.com/vlruso
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/itinai/
