Intensive Care Nurses' Views and Practices Regarding Delirium: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

The aim of this descriptive qualitative design study is to clarify the views and practices of nurses working in intensive care about delirium. The study was conducted with 20 nurses. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) perceptions about delirium, (2) care of the individual with delirium, (3) the effects of caring for the individual with delirium and (4) coping and not coping with delirium-related challenges. Regular training and the mandatory use of standardised screening tools are critical to increasing nurses' knowledge and confidence levels regarding the recognition, prevention and management of delirium. Healthcare administrators should support nurses by developing a clear delirium assessment and care protocol in intensive care units, thereby contributing to more consistent and higher-quality patient care.