The Impact of Nursing Education on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention Bundle to Reduce Incidence of Infection: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a health care–acquired infection that leads to poor patient outcomes, increased length of hospital stay, exhaustion of health care resources, and unnecessary increases in health care costs. Objectives This project was designed to educate registered nurses on the importance of an evidence-based VAP prevention bundle that reduces the overall incidence of VAP infections. Methods Patients (N = 146) were enrolled in this quasi-experimental project that took place in a 14-bed neuro trauma surgical burn intensive care unit (ICU) at a level 1 trauma center. Data were collected from the chart review of patients admitted to the neuro trauma surgical burn ICU prior to and after nursing education intervention. The difference in VAP rate and enhanced nursing knowledge were the primary outcome measures. Results Data suggest improvement in several patient outcomes. Ventilator days were shortened from 17.45 days to 13.42 days (P = .085), and ICU length of stay decreased from 24.77 days to 17.62 days (P = .035). Patient laboratory data show improved white blood cell values (P < .001), less oxygen requirements (P < .001), and fewer patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for VAP (P = .073). Discussion Results suggest there were no statistically significant changes in the knowledge of registered nurses or oral care bundle compliance; however, improvements in patient data following the provider education suggest that continued education to nursing staff will have a positive impact on reducing hospital stay and significant costs associated with a VAP infection.