A Pre-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding Ventilator Associated Pneumonia among staff nurses at selected hospital, Udaipur

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a leading cause of death from healthcare-associated infections, particularly in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Nurses' knowledge of measures to reduce VAP rates is crucial for timely intervention and decision-making. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Programme on VAP knowledge among 50 staff nurses in a selected hospital in Udaipur. A pre-test knowledge assessment was conducted using a structured questionnaire, followed by the implementation of the teaching programme. After 7 days, a post-test was conducted using the same questionnaire. Results indicated that pre-test knowledge was poor in 58% and average in 42% of nurses, while post-test knowledge improved significantly, with 74% showing good knowledge and 26% having average knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 11.78±4.147 in the pre-test to 21.46±2.689 in the post-test, with a significant mean difference (t=16.15, df=59, p=0.001). Demographic variables, such as age, gender, professional qualification, years of experience, area of work, and in-service education on VAP, were not significantly associated with pre-test and post-test knowledge levels. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the Structured Teaching Programme effectively improved nurses' knowledge of VAP and emphasized the need for continuing education in critical care units to enhance VAP-related knowledge.