Knowledge and Practices Regarding Ventilator Care Bundle for Preventing Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia (VAP) Among Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses

Introduction: Mechanical ventilation is one of the major supportive modalities in the intensive care Unit (ICU), but it carries many risks and complications; the most common one is Ventilator Associated with Pneumonia (VAP). VAP is a global problem in intensive care units, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality rates in mechanically ventilated patients. VAP can happen within 48 to 72 hours in intubated ventilated patients. Preventing VAP is a major clinical challenge. ICU nurses’ knowledge of ventilator care bundles and adherence to it would reduce the risk of VAP. The main bundle items used in the study were infection control measures, patient positioning, endotracheal suctioning care, peptic ulcer prevention, oral care, weaning & extubation trials and other ventilator care measures. The study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and practices on ventilator care bundles for preventing VAP among ICU Registered Nurses.

Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional survey design. A purposive sampling was done among Registered Nurses working in ICU at all eight KPJ Klang Valley hospitals. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 3 parts: demographic data, single-response questions and an observation checklist. A total of 93 respondents were involved in the survey. Data were analysed using the IBM Social Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods.

Results: The finding shows that 95.7% of the respondents have excellent knowledge of VAP prevention. The compliance practices on the ventilator care bundle showed that ninety-two (98.9%) respondents have good compliance.

Conclusion: The study reveals that most ICU registered nurses at selected Klang Valley hospitals have good knowledge and practice compliance regarding care bundle items to prevent VAP. The nurse’s leadership must continue supporting evidence-based clinical practice, and continuous monitoring will ensure adherence to VAP prevention practices.

Keywords: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, Ventilator Care Bundle, Intensive Care Units, prevention, pneumonia, Critical Care Nurses.