What does being part of this study mean for me?
If you take part in the HAPPEN study, you may receive enhanced oral care to help reduce the risk of pneumonia. Learn what participation involves and how the study supports safe, comfortable patient care.
As the HAPPEN study is a randomised trial, you will have a 50:50 chance of being involved in the intervention group. The intervention is to assure at least twice daily oral care is carried out by either encouraging you to do this or for one of the nurses to assist you. Oral care for the purposes of this study includes cleaning of the teeth/dentures, tongue, moisturising the lips, using toothbrushes suitable for the patient population, and toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate. There is no anticipated risk to any participant and you will be fully consented if you are to be part of the intervention study group.