Ventilator associated pneumonia and nurses role in prevention: A scoping review

Abstract

Ventilator associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit is a common hospital acquired pneumonia, even though it is preventable millions of people are effected every year. VAP is the infection of the lungs, which damages the lungs severely causing death. All patients intubated are at a risk of VAP along with the other risk factors. This study aims to identify nursing care in the prevention of VAP in the intensive care unit by a scoping review. The scoping review has been chosen as the method of study for this research, and Nola. J Pender`s theory of health promotion model as a theoretical frame work, in which 10 articles were selected for the study Six categories were formed, which includes physiotherapy, elevation of the head of bed, mouth care or oral hygiene, suctioning, aseptic techniques, and sedation vacation, which answered the research questions. This study concluded that the nurses play an important role as an educator and instructor, caregivers, and researchers in the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia. In this present situation of COVID 19, the importance of prevention of VAP is understood. This study has mainly focused on the nurse's perspective knowledge to help the nurses to understand their role in the prevention of VAP, excluding the medical side of prevention. It was found that there is a shortage of studies available in the recent years from the nurse's perspective on the prevention of VAP therefore more studies needs to be done on this relevant topic