Assessing Critical Care Nurse's Knowledge and Adherence to Evidence-Base Guidelines for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention in Palestinian Hospitals.

Abstract

Background: Patients in critical care units who are connected to mechanical ventilators (MV) often face the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Therefore, the aim of current study is to describe critical care nurses' knowledge and adherence to evidence-base guidelines (EBGs) for preventing the occurrence of VAP. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was applied. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire completed by all critical care nurses (n = 213) working at Palestinian hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistic was utilized to describe ICU nurse's knowledge and adherence to VAP prevention EBGs. Results: The study revealed that the mean knowledge score for critical care nurses was (50.8%). Overall, the findings indicated that nurses' knowledge of VAP guidelines was at an average level. A statistically significant difference (p value = 0.049) in the knowledge level was observed based on nurses' qualifications. On the other hand, the study found that nurses' adherence to EBGs was an acceptable (mean = 8.3, 69.2%). No substantial differences in adherence level were identified based on respondents' characteristics. Conclusion: Critical care nurses possess an average level of knowledge regarding EBGs for preventing VAP, alongside demonstrating an acceptable level of adherence to these guidelines.