The Effect of a Self-Instructional Module on ICU Nurses' Compliance with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention

Abstract

Background: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) affects 10-70% of ICU patients on mechanical ventilation, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality (20-30%). VAP commonly develops in patients on mechanical ventilation for over 48 hours, with incidence rates reaching 22.8% in developed countries. Nurses play a pivotal role in VAP prevention, but lack of knowledge can impede effective measures. Education and protocols are critical in reducing VAP incidence and improving patient outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted staff training.

Methodology: This evaluative study utilized a one-group pre-test post-test design to assess the effectiveness of a Self-Instructional Module (SIM) in enhancing nursing officers' knowledge and practices regarding VAP. A purposive sampling method selected 70 nursing officers from Hubballi-Dharwad hospitals. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire covering demographics, respiratory anatomy and physiology, mechanical ventilation, and VAP prevention. The SIM, developed through literature review and expert consultation, was tested for reliability (0.75) via a pilot study with 10 nursing officers using Spearman's split-half technique.

Results: After the SIM intervention, nursing officers showed a significant improvement in knowledge and practice regarding VAP. Pre-test knowledge scores (10.52 ± 2.86) increased to post-test scores (15.85 ± 2.11). Similarly, pre-test practice scores (5.07 ± 0.95) rose to post-test scores (7.95 ± 0.95). Paired ‘t’ tests revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001), confirming the effectiveness of the SIM in enhancing knowledge and practices.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the Self-Instructional Module (SIM) significantly improves nursing officers' knowledge and practice concerning VAP. The correlation between baseline scores and demographic factors emphasizes the importance of customized educational interventions like SIM in fostering evidence-based care.