Critical care nurses' knowledge in preventing nosocomial pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge deficits concerning nosocomial pneumonia (NP) prevention among critical care nurses. The study also determined whether NP knowledge was associated with nurse characteristics. DESIGN A survey design using a mailed self-administered questionnaire. SETTING New Zealand critical care nurses were identified through the Nursing Council of New Zealand. SUBJECTS 134 critical care nurses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES NP prevention knowledge score (the proportion of 24 items answered correctly). RESULTS The NP knowledge score ranged from 21% to 92%. The mean (and median) was 48%. Items related to knowledge about NP risks had the highest mean score (67%) compared to items addressing NP prevention (43%) or the role of devices in the transmission of NP (45%). No nurse demographic or workplace characteristic was associated with NP knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Several important deficits in nosocomial pneumonia knowledge were identified indicating a need for critical care nurses to have greater exposure to nosocomial pneumonia prevention education, guidelines, and research.