MOUTH WASH: A SURVEY ON UTILITY, PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS AMONG PHYSICIANS TREATING HEAD NECK CANCER

Background: Various mouthwashes are used by specialists to reduce the side effects of anticancer therapies. At present, there is no
gold standard available for the prevention and treatment of oral effects. In clinical practice, diversity exists in different treatment
strategies used and their way of use.
Aim: To get an understanding of various prescriptions given by various specialists treating cancer patients in Tertiary cancer hospital
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was formulated by two experts on the prescription and method of use of mouthwashes.
Ethical committee approval was obtained. Survey questionnaire included : type of mouthwash prescribed, objective for use : primary
objective behind its prescription, method of use, efficacy, adverse effects, awareness of evidence base. Data obtained was statistically
analysed and results were obtained.
Statistical Analysis: Data obtained was statistically analysed using SPSS software version 16.0
Results: Lot of variations exist in the type of mouthwashes prescribed, there way of use, duration and efficacy perceived by various
practitioners.
Conclusion: There is an urgent need of extensive research for the standardization of mouthwash prescriptions and clinical trials for
the rationale of use of various mouthwashes. Evidence basis must be provided to the specialists for the better palliative care of the
patients with oral mucositis. Also collaboration with a multidisciplinary team should be included in all phases of treatment for the
better management of all the symptoms.


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