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Kastamonu Medical Journal

Kastamonu Medical Journal regularly publishes internationally qualified issues in the field of Medicine in the light of up-to-date information.

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Original Article
Evaluation of intensive care unit staff knowledge and adherence to preventive measures for ventilator-associated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital
Abstract
Aims: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a predominant healthcare-associated infection in intensive care units (ICUs), posing significant challenges to patient management due to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Effective prevention of VAP requires a comprehensive approach that combines mechanical and pharmacological interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and adherence of ICU staff regarding VAP prevention protocols in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey conducted in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing the knowledge and practices of the ICU staff in preventing VAP. The questionnaire included demographic information and specific questions on VAP prevention strategies based on guidelines from reputable organizations. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Results: A total of 150 ICU staff members participated in this study, including 124 females and 26 males, with an average age of 31 ± 5.15 years. Among the respondents, 48% reported having received training on VAP prevention and 57.3% were aware of their institution’s procedures for VAP prevention. Correct response rates to VAP-related questions were generally higher among those with more experience, those who had received training, and those who were aware of institutional procedures. Significant differences were observed in the knowledge levels based on ICU bed count, years of experience, and VAP prevention education. Staff working in larger ICUs with more years of experience and those who had received training demonstrated higher correct response rates.
Conclusion: This study highlights significant gaps in the knowledge and adherence of ICU staff to VAP prevention protocols. Only 48% of ICU staff had received formal training on VAP prevention, and 57.3% were aware of their institution’s procedures. These findings underscore the importance of continuous education and robust institutional support in enhancing compliance with VAP prevention protocols. Structured educational interventions and consistent reinforcement of guidelines are crucial for mitigating VAP risks and improving ICU patient outcomes. Future research should focus on multi-center studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs to better understand the dynamics of knowledge retention and adherence over time.

Keywords : Ventilator-associated pneumonia, ICU staff, prevention protocols, knowledge assessment, educational interventions, institutional support

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Article available in :
Volume 5, Issue 4, 2025
Page : 215-220
https://doi.org/10.51271/KMJ-0214
Article Information
Received : 20 Kas 2024
Accepted : 12 Şub 2025
Published : 02 Ara 2025
Corresponding Author :

Şule Asri: Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Asri Ş, Karslı B. Evaluation of intensive care unit staff knowledge and adherence to preventive measures for ventilatorassociated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital. Kastamonu Med J. 2025;5(4):215-220.

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