Scenario-Based Educational Program to Improve the Performance of Intensive Care Unit Nurses to Assess Elderly Patient with Delirium

Abstract

Background: Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with an increased mortality and a longer ICU and hospital stay. Nurses play a key role in identifying delirium; several studies reported have noted variability in their ability to recognize delirium. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of scenario- based educational program to improve the performance of intensive care unit nurses to assess elderly patient with delirium. Data were collected using:A) interview questionnaire: part I: Socio-demographic sheet (age of the participants, gender, education, years of experience, marital status and attendance of previous training program about delirium assessment and care Part 2: A. Assessment for Nurses’ knowledge about delirium: included Nurses’ knowledge about delirium: definition, incidence, predisposing factor, clinical Manifestations, assessment of delirium, and management and nursing care. B. Observational check lists: It was designed to assess the nurses’ practice regarding linking between pain, sedation and delirium monitoring The result showed that the current study revealed an increment in total and subtotal nurse’s knowledge and practices Thus research hypothesis were supported. Results concluded that nurse’s knowledge and practice related to delirium assessment among critically ill patients were deficient. The implementation of scenario based education strategy had a positive effect on ICU nurses competencies to assess elderly with delirium. The study highlighted raising nurse’s awareness about delirium & standardized assessment tools as a part of ongoing nursing assessment. As well, individuals at risk, the early detection of delirium symptoms and for the continuous monitoring of these symptoms that is essential to follow the patient’s clinical course