PREVENÇÃO DA PNEUMONIA ASSOCIADA À VENTILAÇÃO MECÂNICA: conhecimentos e práticas dos profissionais de enfermagem na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

Abstract

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a major Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), significantly impacting morbidity, mortality, costs, and length of stay. As it is preventable, nurses are key agents in implementing preventive measures. Objective: To identify the knowledge and techniques used by nursing professionals in VAP prevention. Methodology: This analytical, quantitative field study was conducted at a large hospital in Goiânia, Brazil, with 39 ICU nurses. Data were collected via a structured 18-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS (v. 26.0). Ethics approval: CAAE 96690026.6.0000.0237. Results: The sample was 79.5% female, with an average of 7 years in the ICU. Adherence was high for training (97.4%) and institutional protocols (87.2%). Compliance was 100% for hand hygiene, head-of-bed elevation, and oral hygiene. However, gaps were identified in cuff pressure monitoring (74.3%), airway suctioning (69.2%), and closed-circuit maintenance (97.4%). High patient demand was the main barrier identified. Conclusion: While nurses demonstrate knowledge and adherence to protocols, organizational barriers like high workload and staffing shortages create gaps in care. Patient safety requires improved working conditions and staffing levels alongside continuing education.