Developing an innovative approach for anticipatory care of post-traumatic delirium (PTD) through the views of nurses: a comprehensive study

Abstract Objectives To analyze and construct the framawork of the current cognition of Chinese trauma nurses regarding nursing interventions for preventing post-traumatic delirium(PTD). Methods The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional study included 210 trauma caregivers in emergency departments and ICUs. Data were collected with a questionnaire between March 24 and April 30, 2024. Results A total of 210 valid questionnaires were distributed to trauma nurses in emergency departments and ICUs across 13 units in China, yielding 208 valid responses, resulting in a collection rate of 99.05%. The average score for the trauma nurses' understanding of each evidence item was 4.38±0.89. Exploratory factor analysis identified four dimensions, accounting for a cumulative variance contribution rate of 72.30%. These dimensions included "physical health and mobility," "pain and psychological care," "thinking and cognitive care," and "complication prevention." The mean cognitive attitude scores for each dimension were 4.51±0.85, 4.63±0.70, 4.24±0.96, and 4.26±0.92, respectively. Conclusion The cognition of Chinese trauma nurses regarding the evidence items of preventive nursing measures for PTD encompasses four dimensions, reflecting their comprehension of core nursing issues related to delirium prevention. This represents a sophisticated manifestation of trauma nurses' nursing philosophies for PTD patients and may aid in the development of training courses for PTD predictive nursing capabilities. Relevance To Clinical Practice Focusing on dimensions constructed by trauma caregivers’ cognitive,, further kn-owledge education are recommended to enhance their adherence.