Abstract:
As a result of a concern for patients with delirium in the ICU, this study investigated the barriers to delirium assessment by ICU nurses. Thirty registered nurses working in ICU/CCU in the context of a general hospital in NZ participated in this study. Using a mixed methods approach, data was collected by using semi-structured interview and questionnaire methods. The findings indicate that critical care nurses have limited knowledge of delirium and its assessment methods in critically ill patients. The discussion focuses on the barriers that prevent nurses in assessment of delirium in critically ill patients. It suggests that nurses need more education and training in the use of delirium assessment tools. Recommendations and implications for the evidence-based practice, education and further research are made. Although this study was limited by the small sample size, the findings indicated that there were potential implications for nursing practice, education and research.
