Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: April | Volume: 8 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 147-152
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Prevention: Awareness of ICU Nurses on Evidence Based Guidelines
Savia Fernandes1, Dr. Prabha K Dasila2, Dr. Aloke Banerjee3
1PhD Scholar, MGM Institute of Health Sciences
2Professor & Director, MGM Institute’s University Department of Nursing, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai
3Professor & HOD (Neuro), MGM Hospital and Medical College, MGMIHS, Navi Mumbai
Corresponding Author: Savia Fernandes
ABSTRACT
Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) continues to be a common complication for mechanically ventilated patients in ICU, leading to increased length of stay, morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of nurses on Ventilator associated pneumonia prevention guidelines may influence adherence to their practices in ICU’s.
Objective: To assess the knowledge of intensive care nurses on VAP prevention guidelines in Mumbai.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in Intensive care units of multispecialty hospitals in Mumbai. A sample of 150 nurses who were active care givers for mechanically ventilated patients were selected using non- probability convenient sampling. Data was collected using structured self- administered questionnaire which consisted of two sections. Section 1: Demographic characteristics and section 2: Questionnaire on evidence based VAP prevention guidelines. The data was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and inferential analysis. using SPSS version 17.
Results: Majority (72%) of the participants were females, aged between 25-29 years. The years of experience varied with majority (36%) having more than 5 years and26% with 1-3 years. Majorities (51.3%) of nurses were with diploma in nursing and 43.3%who were graduates. Although43.3% nurses attended ICU trainings conducted in the hospital, more than half (56.7%) did not attend any trainings pertaining to ICU. Most of the nurses worked in non-teaching hospitals and worked in general ICU’s. Majority of the nurses were found with inadequate knowledge on VAP prevention. The overall knowledge of nurses was found with mean 24.75+21.35 which implies that most nurses lack knowledge on VAP prevention guidelines
Conclusion: Knowledge and practices of nurses is pivotal in prevention of VAP. Regular in-service education programme at every hospital is required to keep the nurses updated with evidence-based guidelines to achieve positive patient outcomes.
Key words: Ventilator associated pneumonia, prevention, awareness, ICU nurses, Evidence based guidelines.