Oral Cancer Knowledge and Opinions Among Maryland Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

The reported knowledge of oral cancer, in conjunction with opinions about level of knowledge and training, point to a need for systematic educational updates in oral cancer prevention and early detection.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Baccalaureate Nursing Students Regarding Oral Health Assessment

“…However, a series of surveys of intensive care nurses (Ganz et al, 2009), staff nurses (Adams, 1996), and nurse practitioners (Sirphant, Drury, Horowitz, & Harris, 2001) showed that the majority of the nurses surveyed had limited knowledge about the risk factors and signs and symptoms of OPC. They felt inadequately trained or uncomfortable examining the oral cavity and did not consider oral health screening to be their responsibility.…”

Knowledge and Opinions Regarding Oral Cancer Among Maryland Dental Students

“…11 Therefore, a statewide initiative was begun in Maryland to better understand and address this health problem. 12 As a part of this initiative, health care providers in the state including dentists, 13 dental hygienists, 14 nurse practitioners, 15 and physicians 16 were assessed with respect to their knowledge and opinions regarding oral cancer. The survey of Maryland general dentists revealed that they did not have adequate knowledge regarding the risk factors for or the signs and symptoms of oral cancer.…”

Attitudes and Practices of Florida Nurse Practitioners on Oral Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

“…[17][18][19] A copy of the questionnaire is available on request from the authors. The following measures were included in this study:…”

“…Nevertheless, previous studies 16,17 have shown that oral cancer attracted little attention among nurse practitioners: They did not routinely examine patients for oral lesions, most of them felt that their knowledge of oral cancer was not current, and few of them felt that oral cancer was a public health problem. The factors underlying this low prioritization are not yet clear.…”