EVALUATION OF NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES REGARDING VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED EVENTS IN CRITICAL CARE UNITS IN THE WEST BANK, PALESTINE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL-STUDY
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Date
2025-12-29
Authors
Ghanim, Mahmmud Nader Mousa
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Complications associated with mechanical ventilation are preventable; nonetheless, they remain a substantial concern due to their impact on increased illness severity, elevated mortality rates, and heightened healthcare expenditures. In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established a systematic monitoring framework to expedite the identification and diagnosis of these issues. Considering the essential role of nurses in preventing complications in mechanically ventilated patients, it is imperative to evaluate their knowledge and compliance with evidence-based practices to mitigate incidence.
Objective: Analyze ICU nurses' VAE knowledge and preventive practices in Palestinian hospitals and evaluate the relationship between knowledge and evidence-based guideline adherence.
Methods: Cross-sectional study of 186 ICU nurses from public and private hospitals. Data collected via a validated self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, VAE knowledge, and preventive behaviors. Descriptive and inferential statistics analyzed variable correlations (p<0.05).
Results: Nurses showed moderate-to-high VAE knowledge (72.8%) and preventive practices (77.3%). Significant educational attainment differences emerged (p=0.05), with diploma nurses outperforming bachelor's degree nurses. Gender and experience showed no significant variations. Regarding specific practices: 84.4% acknowledged 2% chlorhexidine as an endorsed oral antiseptic; 81.7% reported consistent oral hygiene adherence; 36% used RASS for sedation assessment; 50.5% conducted shift sedation interruptions; 77.4% assessed sedation levels frequently; spontaneous breathing trial and ventilator weaning compliance remained inconsistent.
Conclusion: Nurses had adequate VAE prevention understanding, but uneven evidence-based approach compliance. The knowledge-practice gap necessitates systematic education, continuous training, and institutional support to improve VAE protocol adherence. Enhancing professional development and leadership oversight converts information into uniform clinical practice and augments patient safety in Palestinian ICUs.
Keywords: Ventilator-associated events (VAEs); intensive care unit (ICU) nurses; knowledge; preventive practices; evidence-based guidelines.