Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: intensive care nurses’ perspectives and solution-oriented recommendations—a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the barriers intensive care nurses face in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and to identify their proposed solutions. METHODS: The qualitative study used a descriptive-phenomenological design. Intensive care nurses working in Atatürk University Research Hospital were recruited using maximum variation purposive sampling. Eleven nurses participated. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form and a Semi-structured Interview Form. Interviews were conducted in the ICU meeting rooms at times preferred by participants, lasted approximately 30-45 min, and were audio-recorded with permission. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method. The study was reported in accordance with the COREQ checklist. RESULTS: Three themes and fourteen sub-themes were identified: (1) VAP Prevention Practices (aspiration procedures, oral care, positioning, cuff pressure control, respiratory circuit management, hand hygiene), (2) Obstacles Encountered (technical inadequacies, emergency situations, workload, lack of education, communication problems), and (3) Solution Suggestions (technical improvements, training needs, protocol development). CONCLUSION: Intensive care nurses reported high awareness of evidence-based VAP prevention practices; however, they faced systemic barriers, particularly inadequate equipment (e.g., cuff pressure monitoring devices) and insufficient standardized protocols. Their suggestions highlight priority areas for improving VAP prevention at the unit level. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.