Assessing Critical Care Nurse's Knowledge and Adherence to Evidence‐Base Guidelines for Ventilator‐Associated Pneumonia Prevention in Palestinian Hospitals.

Background: Patients in critical care units who are connected to mechanical ventilators (MV) often face the risk of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP). Therefore, the aim of current study is to describe critical care nurses' knowledge and adherence to evidence‐base guidelines (EBGs) for preventing the occurrence of VAP. Methodology: A cross‐sectional study was applied. Data were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire completed by all critical care nurses (n = 213) working at Palestinian hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistic was utilized to describe ICU nurse's knowledge and adherence to VAP prevention EBGs. Results: The study revealed that the mean knowledge score for critical care nurses was (50.8%). Overall, the findings indicated that nurses' knowledge of VAP guidelines was at an average level. A statistically significant difference (p value = 0.049) in the knowledge level was observed based on nurses' qualifications. On the other hand, the study found that nurses' adherence to EBGs was an acceptable (mean = 8.3, 69.2%). No substantial differences in adherence level were identified based on respondents' characteristics. Conclusion: Critical care nurses possess an average level of knowledge regarding EBGs for preventing VAP, alongside demonstrating an acceptable level of adherence to these guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]