Assessment of Knowledge and Practice regarding Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Staff Nurses Working in Intensive Care Unit

A skilled nurse plays a crucial role in saving lives, making it essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application. This study evaluated the knowledge and practice of staff nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) regarding the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). In this quantitative study involving descriptive design, 100 ICU nurses were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and a checklist to evaluate practical implementation of VAP prevention measures. Analysis using SPSS revealed that among the 100 participants, 16 percent had poor knowledge, 51 percent had average knowledge, 27 percent demonstrated good knowledge, and only 6 percent exhibited excellent knowledge about VAP. In terms of practice, 2 percent showed poor practice, 29 percent average, and the majority (69%) demonstrated good practice. The level of knowledge was significantly associated with the area of work, while both qualification and area of work were linked to practice levels. A weak correlation was observed between knowledge and practice scores. To conclude, to enhance nurses' knowledge, targetted educational sessions such as lectures and seminars are recommended. For improving practice, simulation-based training and practical demonstrations may help bridge the gap and elevate the overall quality of patient care in ICU settings.