Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The most common type of nosocomial infection among neonates on mechanical ventilation in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) was ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). An Evidence-Based Practice Module for preventing VAP was highly recommended and crucial for enhancing nurses' knowledge levels and improving their practices in this domain. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the impact of the Evidence-Based Practices Module on nurses' knowledge and their practices for preventing VAP among high-risk neonates in NICUs. METHODS: This research employed a quasi-experimental (pre/post-test) design at two NICUs in Egypt-Banha Specialized Children's Hospital (Banha City) and Ain Shams University Hospital (Cairo)-to recruit a convenience sample (consisting of 200 male and female nurses) that served as a pre-/post-test group. The researchers employed three specific tools: a pre-test interview questionnaire (which was also utilized post-test), an Evidence-Based Practices Module for preventing VAP questionnaire, and an observational checklist concerning the nurse participants' knowledge and practices in preventing VAP (pre- and post-demonstration of an Evidence-Based Practices Module). RESULTS: Participants' general knowledge improved significantly with VAP (p < .001) across all areas evaluated: the participants' performance improved markedly from a mean score of 9.010 ± 2.894 (pre-intervention) to 13.640 ± 1.285 (post-intervention) (t = -18.954, p < .001). Furthermore, the participants' pre-intervention mean score for an Evidence-Based Practices Module (related to VAP prevention) was 9.300 ± 0.997, reflecting an almost total lack of knowledge; however, their post-intervention scores increased significantly to 17.745 ± 1.268. Additionally, their performances on an Evidence-Based Practices Module (related to VAP prevention) before intervention were 12.280 ± 3.143, which increased to 21.620 ± 1.615 post-intervention (t = -31.009, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted how the introduction of an Evidence-Based Practice Module positively impacted the nursing staff's knowledge and practices regarding the prevention of VAP in NICUs. It was recommended that the nursing staff implement the Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Evidence-Based Practices Module to enhance their professional development, promote safe and proper practices, and improve the quality of care provided to high-risk neonates.