Theory-Based Educational Program for VAP Prevention and Nursing Care in Intensive Care Units

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important challenge in intensive care and requires nurses to apply evidence-based preventive practices consistently in mechanically ventilated patients. This multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a theory-based structured educational program designed to improve VAP prevention knowledge, reflective nursing practice related to invasive mechanical ventilation, quality of nursing care, and family satisfaction with intensive care unit (ICU) care. The program integrates evidence-based VAP prevention education with clinical decision-making, case-based learning, simulation, reflective exercises, structured debriefing, and practice-improvement planning. Adult ICU nurses working in Ministry of Health hospitals in Jordan are assigned by ICU cluster to either the educational intervention or usual care. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and six months after completion to evaluate immediate effects and sustainability. VAP prevention knowledge is the primary outcome, while reflective nursing practice, quality of nursing care, and family satisfaction with ICU care are secondary outcomes.