Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: Barriers and compliance

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compliance of Jordanian nurses with ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention guidelines and the barriers to compliance. Method A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 294 nurses from nine hospitals in Jordan completed a self-reported questionnaire. Results According to the study compliance categories, 45.6% of the participants reported 'insufficient compliance,' 24.8% 'weak compliance' and 29.6% 'sufficient compliance.' Nurses with more experience and previous education on ventilator-associated pneumonia reported higher compliance scores than their counterparts with less experience and no previous education. Nurses reported several barriers that limited their own compliance, such as lack of education, lack of policies and protocols, lack of resources and the shortage of staff. Conclusion The compliance of nursing staff with the prevention guidelines was poor. Applying tailored educational programs may help improve their level of compliance. These programs must target new graduate nurses and be conducted in those hospitals with limited resources.