Cognition, Training, and Education of Nurses in Oral Feeding Assistance for Hospitalized Patients: A Comparative Study among Nurses in China and Japan

This study compared cognition, training, and education regarding oral feeding assistance provided to hospitalized patients among nurses in China and Japan. The participants included 401 nurses from two general hospitals (China, 141; Japan, 260). The survey items included demographic characteristics, cognition about who should assist with oral feeding, the need for professional knowledge and skills, supporting patients with particular needs, essential steps in oral feeding assistance, and evaluation of training and relevant education. In total, 107 Chinese (75.9%) and 184 Japanese (70.8%) nurses returned completed questionnaires. Compared to Japanese nurses, a larger proportion of Chinese nurses (5.6% vs. 42.1%, p < 0.001) responded that a “family member” should assist with oral feeding. Most (92.5% of Chinese and 98.9% of Japanese, p < 0.01) nurses recognized the need for professional knowledge and skills. In both groups, cognition was high for eating environment and aspects of patients’ physical condition, such as dysfunction and position, but inadequate for aspects of patients’ psychological conditions, such as emotional state and appetite. Limited learning experiences, such as attending lectures, undergoing training, and exposure to literature, were observed among Chinese nurses compared to Japanese nurses. Compared to Japanese nurses, Chinese nurses showed inadequate cognition concerning the role of nurses in oral feeding assistance. The degree of cognition regarding this assistance may be associated with relevant learning experiences. To improve the quality of oral feeding assistance and execution of related nursing duties, greater emphasis on oral feeding assistance is necessary in the Chinese nursing curriculum.