Effect of applying Care Bundle Educational Program on reducing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Intensive Care Units at Benha University Hospitals (A Quasi-Intervention Study)

Background: One of the most serious illnesses linked to healthcare in intensive care units is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which can lead to poor patient outcomes, higher expenses, and longer hospital stays. The burden of VAP in Egypt is made worse by a lack of resources and uneven compliance with infection control protocols. ICU nurses play a crucial role in applying evidence-based practices to prevent VAP; however, gaps in knowledge and training hinder optimal care. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Care Bundle Educational Program (CBEP) on improving ICU nurses’ knowledge of ventilator care practices and its impact on VAP incidence rates in Benha University Hospitals. Method: A quasi-experimental pre/post-intervention design was conducted over nine months in the central and intermediate ICUs at Benha University Hospitals. The intervention targeted all 262 ICU nurses through structured training sessions combining lectures, visual materials, and bedside demonstrations. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing VAP prevention knowledge, alongside surveillance of VAP rates among mechanically ventilated patients. Results: The program significantly enhanced nurses’ knowledge scores, with the mean score increasing from 5.29 ± 2.38 pre-intervention to 7.99 ± 1.49 post-intervention (p < 0.001). Correspondingly, the incidence of VAP among ICU patients decreased notably during the post-intervention phase, reflecting improved clinical practices and integration of training into daily care. Conclusions: The Care Bundle Educational Program effectively elevated ICU nurses’ knowledge and contributed to a measurable reduction in VAP incidence, underscoring the value of structured, nurse-focused education in critical care settings.