Elements and Performance Criteria
- Elements define the essential outcomes.
- Performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element
- Identify variations in patient behaviour and habits
- Identify opportunities to observe patient behaviour, physical functions, capabilities and habits that may indicate oral health issues or associated pain or discomfort
- Observe, listen for self-reports and question patient and family/or carer to determine whether the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort that may be associated with oral health issues
- Access relevant information on contributing factors that may produce variation from normal behaviour
- Undertake basic visual oral check and questioning
- Obtain consent from the patient to conduct basic visual oral check and questioning from patient and/or family/carer
- Ensure comfort of patient by developing trust and rapport, adapting environment and optimal time based on patient needs
- Provide support for patient’s head or chin if necessary to enhance visual access without creating discomfort for the patient
- Seek assistance from patient to open their own mouth to limit hand contact inside the mouth
- Prepare and perform basic visual oral checks in line with own work role and use of standard precautions
- Identify signs and symptoms of oral health issues that may indicate variation from normal and actively listen to and be aware of self-reports
- Follow up and promote ongoing oral health care
- Complete documentation and reporting processes, using information from patient, and/or family/carer or other relevant people as well as own observations in relation to oral health issues
- Discuss oral health issues with patient and/or carer in line with organisation policies and procedures and respecting patient priorities and choices
- Take appropriate action within work role, including liaising with supervisor in consultation with patient to ensure appropriate referral occurs
- Use appropriate communication strategies to provide information relevant to promoting and maintaining good oral health
- Provide instruction to support patients to take a self-care approach to oral health in line with individual needs where possible
- Identify and address key barriers to management or self-management of oral health
- Review and monitor oral health issues