Assessment of Nurses Knowledge Regarding Delirium in Adult Critical Care Units in Baqubah

Abstract

Research Question: What is the knowledge of nurses in assessing patients with delirium in critical care units in Baqubah? Aim of this study: An evaluation of nursing knowledge regarding delirium assessment in adult Critical care units. Method: A quantitative descriptive survey was carried out among 36 staff nurses working in Critical care units in Baqubah teaching hospital. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to collect data to answer the research question. Sample: All qualified nursing staff meeting outlined criteria and working in the Critical care clinical areas in the selected hospital were invited to participate in the study. A response rate of 80% (n=36) was achieved. Findings: More than half of the nurses reported that they don’t using validated tools to assess for delirium during their practice. However, critical care clinical practice in Baqubah lacks established protocols to screen for delirium resulting in non-adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Barriers and poor perceptions were identified in this survey in relation to delirium screening. This information can inform future care planning and care to be used to improve standards and quality of care in intensive care units. Keywords; Nurse, Nurse Knowledge, Delirium, Critical care units, Adults.