A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practices Regarding Prevention of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia among the Staff Nurses Working in Intensive Care Unit of Selected Hospitals in Kamrup Metro, Assam

Bhanita Barman

Abstract: Background: The use of artificial airway and mechanical ventilation (MV) is essential and common life - saving measure in the intensive care unit (ICU). Ventilator associated Pneumonia is a preventable complication of mechanical ventilator. Caring for the patient on mechanical ventilation has become an integral part of nursing care in critical care unit. Aim: The aim is to assess the knowledge and practice regarding prevention of VAP and also to determine the co - relation between knowledge and practice of the staff nurses regarding nursing care of patient on MV. Methods: Study was conducted in selected hospitals of Kamrup metro.115 samples were drawn by using purposive sampling technique. The knowledge and practices of staff nurses were assessed by using a self - administered structured questionnaire and an observation check list, respectively. Results and conclusion: The study findings revealed that majority (60 %) of the staff nurses had ?moderately adequate knowledge? while 53.91% of the staff nurses had ?moderately adequate practice. Study also revealed a moderate positive correlation (r=0.352, p=.0001) between knowledge and practices. To improve knowledge with practice a deliberate effort should be instituted to nursing personnel regarding prevention of VAP/care of patient on MV though the establishment of training programme.

Keywords: Ventilator associated pneumonia, mechanical ventilator, intensive care unit, staff nurse, knowledge and practice