EFFECT OF NURSE PERSPECTIVE INTERVENTION ON PREVENTION OF VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA (VAP) IN THE CRITICAL CARE UNIT: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an infection of the lung parenchyma in patients exposed to invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. Methodology: An experimental research approach was adopted, and the research design employed was a true experiment. The data were collected from 20 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses who were randomly assigned to either active or passive educational interventions at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Pre- and post-interventional assessments were done. Results: The observed mean difference in the knowledge score of nurses was found to be statistically significant as evidenced by the ‘t’ value of 4.89, which was more than the ‘t’ critical value of 2.1 at df 18, at a 0.05 level of significance (P<0.05) between the active and passive educational intervention groups. But the observed difference in compliance score was not found statistically significant, as evidenced by the ‘t’ value of 0.81, which was less than the ‘critical value of 2.10 at df 18, at a 0.05 level of significance (P>0.05) between active and passive groups. Barriers were identified, including the Unavailability of written guidelines or protocols for VAP prevention (100%), no continuous education on VAP prevention (90%), Practice in ICUs not based on research findings (100%), and a lack of required skills and knowledge (70%). Conclusion: Active and passive educational interventions enhance nurses' knowledge and compliance with VAP prevention guidelines. This study recommends a regular training program for ICU nurses regarding VAP prevention guidelines, and administrative support is needed to overcome the barriers.