Oral Care: Psychosocial Perspective on Palliative Care Patients in South Africa Volume 5 - Issue 1

Penelope Mathe*

• Northwest University South Africa, South Africa

Received: December 13, 2021   Published: December 20, 2021

Corresponding author: Penelope Mathe, North West University South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa

DOI: 10.32474/MADOHC.2021.05.000205

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Abstract

Oral care issues are widespread with South African terminally ill patients. It is one of the least understood and poorly handled areas of general medical care among patients and their families. In order to provide effective end-of-life care, all parties involved must be educated on the importance of meticulous oral awareness and management. Palliative care patients who are low-income, uninsured, and have limited access to appropriate oral health care are more likely to have poor oral health. As a result, poor dental health has become a symbol of social disparity [1]. Palliative care is a comprehensive approach to disease care and prevention that stresses contemplation of the complete person, physiologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually [2]. It is important to assess an individual and family using all these different domains. They should be assessed in tandem so that a person’s whole needs are met. Doing so ensures that dental care is not overlooked. It should be a continuous effort to maintain the health of the patient. South African hospice care providers support more than 150,000 people with terminal and life-limiting conditions each year. It should be noted that 84 % of hospice care is provided in community-based settings (HPCA, 2020).

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