Abstract
Background
Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a serious condition that significantly
increases both mortality and morbidity. It is strongly associated with longer hospital
and ICU stays, higher mortality rates, and more complications. The development of
delirium in critically ill patients is one of the most important independent predictors
of prolonged hospital stays and increased risk of mortality. The purpose of this study
was to assess the current knowledge levels of ICU nurses in Palestine about ICU delirium.
Methods
A cross-sectional study with nonprobability convenience sample method was used. The
level of ICU delirium knowledge was evaluated using a questionnaire.
Results
The results showed that the median knowledge score of ICU nurses regarding delirium
was 6 out of 21, ranging between 3 and 13. This indicates a very low level of knowledge,
as 96.4% of nurses scored between 0 and 11. Only 3.6% of nurses scored within the
low knowledge range (12–14), and no nurses reached the moderate (15–17) or high (18–21)
categories. All nurses had a positive perception of the importance of the ICU delirium
assessment tool, as 71.9% of nurses think that the ICU delirium tool is very important.
In comparison, the rest of the nurses (19.3%) reported it as an essential tool. Unfortunately,
about 44% of ICU nurses were unaware of an assessment tool for ICU delirium. The most
commonly heard tools for assessing ICU delirium were the Confusion Assessment Method
for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) tools
(29.8 and 29.8%, respectively).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ICU nurses had limited awareness about ICU delirium, highlighting
a significant knowledge gap. It is essential to address this gap through targeted
education and training programs aimed at enhancing nurses' knowledge and skills. In
conclusion, targeted training and education programs are crucial to equip ICU nurses
with the necessary knowledge to recognize, prevent, and manage delirium effectively,
ultimately leading to improved patient care outcomes.
Keywords
delirium - ICU - nursing knowledge - Palestine
