Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious complication among patients in intensive care units (ICUs), associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and high healthcare costs. Nurses play a vital role in preventing VAP by adhering to evidence-based guidelines. This study aimed to assess the effect of clinical guideline-based education on ICU nurses' practice in preventing VAP at Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz, University of Medical Sciences.

Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 120 ICU nurses at Imam Reza Hospital. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group (n = 60) receiving clinical guideline-based education and a control group (n = 60) receiving routine training. The educational intervention included workshops, simulation exercises, and the distribution of guidelines. Data were collected using a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire to assess adherence to VAP prevention practices and the incidence of VAP. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests and chi-square tests, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: There was a significant improvement in adherence to VAP prevention practices in the intervention group (p < 0.001) compared to the control group (p = 0.398). The incidence of VAP decreased significantly in the intervention group from 15% at baseline to 3.3% post-intervention (p = 0.021), while no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.564). The difference between the two groups in VAP incidence was statistically significant (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: Clinical guideline-based education significantly improved ICU nurses' adherence to VAP prevention practices and led to a notable reduction in VAP incidence. These results highlight the effectiveness of structured, evidence-based educational interventions in improving nursing practice and enhancing patient outcomes in critical care settings.