The Role of Interprofessional Collaboration Between Nurses and Respiratory Therapists in Reducing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): A Focus on Infection Control, Suctioning, and Oral Hygiene Practices

Authors: Wadha D. Alshemmeri, Nasser Al-Thunyyan, Amnah E. Abu-Lahsah, Mohammed Aljohani, Mesfer Al-Ahmari, Hassan Alshehri, Feras K.A. Melebari, Manna T. Alshammari, Shatha F. Aldhawi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13752054

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gv9s72

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in ICU settings, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective prevention. Collaboration between nurses and respiratory therapists is critical in implementing key VAP prevention strategies, including infection control, suctioning techniques, and oral hygiene practices.

Objective: This study explores how interprofessional collaboration between nurses and respiratory therapists reduces the incidence of VAP, focusing on the role of teamwork in infection control, suctioning, and oral hygiene.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary hospital ICU, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 respiratory therapists and 12 nurses. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to collaboration, specific VAP prevention interventions, and challenges in practice.

Results: Three major themes emerged: (1) Interprofessional collaboration enhances the implementation of VAP prevention strategies; (2) Specific interventions, such as infection control, suctioning, and oral hygiene, were highlighted as areas where teamwork was critical; (3) Time constraints and workload pressures were significant barriers to effective collaboration, while role clarity and mutual respect facilitated better teamwork.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that collaboration between nurses and respiratory therapists plays a crucial role in reducing VAP incidence. Addressing challenges such as workload and promoting mutual respect can further improve collaboration and patient outcomes.

Keywords: Ventilator-associated pneumonia, interprofessional collaboration, respiratory therapists, nurses, infection control, suctioning, oral hygiene, ICU.

Paper Id: 231163

Published On: 2021-08-04

Published In: Volume 9, Issue 4, July-August 2021

Cite This: The Role of Interprofessional Collaboration Between Nurses and Respiratory Therapists in Reducing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): A Focus on Infection Control, Suctioning, and Oral Hygiene Practices - Wadha D. Alshemmeri, Nasser Al-Thunyyan, Amnah E. Abu-Lahsah, Mohammed Aljohani, Mesfer Al-Ahmari, Hassan Alshehri, Feras K.A. Melebari, Manna T. Alshammari, Shatha F. Aldhawi - IJIRMPS Volume 9, Issue 4, July-August 2021. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13752054

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