Nurses’ experience of caring for patients with delirium: Systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis.

Nurses’ experience of caring for patients with delirium: Systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis.

Delirium is an acute deterioration in attention, conscious state, perception, and cognition of
a person. While nurses possess the theoretical understanding of the condition, they lack insight into its
early recognition and management. This systematic review aims to understand what factors influence
nurses as they care for patients with delirium, and to identify best practices to improve overall clinical
care. The Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES), as a strategy process to identify gaps in research,
formulate new models or strategies for care, underpinned the review. In addition to specific inclusion
and exclusion criteria, a methodological assessment, data were analysed using QES, as informed by
the Joanna Briggs Institute Review process. Ten studies were identified and synthesised to generate
four key themes. The themes included (1) nurse’s knowledge deficit; (2) increased workload and
stress; (3) safety concerns among nurse when caring for patients with delirium; and (4) strategies used
when caring for patients with delirium. Overall, the review has highlighted the need for increased
delirium education and coping strategies among nurses to effectively care for patients with delirium.
This may be augmented through regular education sessions to provide nurses with the confidence
and competence to care for the acutely confused person.