Knowledge Levels of Critical Care Nurses on Evidence-Based Practices for the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the knowledge levels of critical care nurses on evidence-based practices for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between July and August 2018 in adult intensive care units of an education and research hospital. The study was approved by the ethics committee and relevant institutions. Informed written consent was obtained from all nurses. Data were collected using a "Data Collection Form for the Identification of Characteristics of Participants" and an "Information Form for the Prevention of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia" developed by the researchers based on literature review. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test. Results: The study was completed with 119 nurses. Results showed that participants had a low level of knowledge on evidence-based practices for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia. Further, 84% of participants had a bachelor's degree, 53.8% had been working in intensive care units for 1-24 months, and 48.7% stated that they had received training on mechanical ventilator after graduation. Nurses working in intensive care units with 3-14 beds had a significantly higher total mean score than those working in intensive care unit with >= 15 beds (Z=-2.808; p=0.005). Conclusion: Results indicated that critical care nurses had a low level of knowledge on evidence-based practices for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The knowledge of nurses on the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia should be assessed periodically, and they should be provided with regular training in order to fill their knowledge gaps.