ISSN: 2575-9981
Authors: Faroq AA*, Waled AMA, Yahya HAA and Mugahed AA
Background: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a prevalent hospital-acquired infection associated with increased mortality rates. Nurses play a significant role in preventing VAP by providing round-the-clock care to critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Program (STP) on ICU nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding VAP prevention in Khartoum. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with comparison groups (intervention and control) was conducted using purposive sampling. Data on knowledge and skills were collected from 120 ICU nurses using a structured knowledge questionnaire and direct observation checklist. The STP was implemented, followed by a post-test and final assessment after two weeks, using the same questionnaire and checklist. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 20. Results: The overall mean pre-test knowledge scores on VAP prevention were 17.95 out of 40 for the intervention group and 18.5 out of 40 for the control group, with a statistically insignificant difference (p=0.617>0.05). The post-test scores were 32.05 out of 40 for the intervention group and 20.83 out of 40 for the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.000<0.05). The overall mean initial assessment of practice compliance was 9.27 out of 20 for the intervention group and 4.97 out of 20 for the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.000<0.05). In the final assessment, the mean scores were 12.77 out of 20 for the intervention group and 5.7 out of 20 for the control group, also showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.000<0.05). The VAP incidence rate during the pre-intervention phase was 54.4 cases per 1000 ventilator days for the intervention group and 40.35 cases per 1000 ventilator days for the control group. In the post-intervention phase,the rates were 39.6 cases per 1000 ventilator days for the intervention group and 64.9 cases per 1000 ventilator days for the control group. Conclusion: The findings indicate a knowledge deficit and inadequate practice compliance among ICU nurses regarding VAP prevention before the intervention. The structured teaching program effectively improved their knowledge and practice compliance, resulting in a reduction in VAP incidence rates.
Keywords: Knowledge; Practice; ICU Nurses; Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
