Nurses' Knowledge, Barriers and Practices in the Assessment of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit

Delirium in intensive care patients is a complication associated with many adverse consequences. It negatively affects patient outcomes, is an independent predictor of mortality, prolongs intensive care unit (ICU) stay and causes cognitive impairment. It is estimated that delirium affects up to 80% of ICU patients. Unfortunately, delirium still remains undiagnosed in many cases. Due to the high prevalence of this complication in critically ill patients, it is important to implement an effective management protocol to prevent delirium. Nurses' knowledge of delirium, learning about nursing practices and identifying barriers to delirium assessment, may be an important basis for early recognition and the creation of procedures for delirium prevention in the intensive care unit.