Bridging Innovation to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Descriptive Qualitative Study among Critical Care Nurses

Abstract

Background: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is still a concern forindividuals who are dependent on a ventilator. It is envisaged that the growthof technology-based innovations would lead to the creation of remedies forthe prevention of VAP.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to learn more about ICU nurses’perspectives on nursing innovations to avoid VAP in patients who are onventilators.Methods: Throughout July and August of 2021, a descriptive qualitativeresearch study was conducted. Through the use of the snowball samplingapproach, a total of 30 critical care nurses were recruited. During theinterview procedure, each participant had around 40 minutes of time for anin-depth interview using a semi-structured format. In order to analyse thefndings of the interviews, the technique proposed by Colaizzi was used.Results: The following four themes emerged: 1) Development of tools toprevent infection, 2) Innovation to monitor cuff tension, 3) Improvement ofnurses’ skills and knowledge in using technology, and 4) Nurses’ burden inusing technology.Conclusion: Nurses may beneft from considering VAP management asa part of technology-based innovation strategy. Nurses have praised theinvention for measuring and monitoring the ETT cuff as a source of optimismfor future advancement.