Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
How do doctors and nurses manage delirium in intensive care units? A qualitative study using focus groups
Domingo Palacios-Ceña1, José Miguel Cachón-Pérez2, Rosa Martínez-Piedrola3
1Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon/Madrid, Spain Grupo Excelencia Investigadora URJC-Banco Santander referencia N°30VCPIGI03: Investigación traslacional en el proceso de salud - enfermedad (ITPSE), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon/Madrid, Spain).
Delirium management in intensive care units (ICUs) is complex, with healthcare professionals often feeling uncertain and underprepared. Implementing specific protocols is crucial for improving patient care and addressing diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Delirium is a common and serious condition in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Effective management of delirium is essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Healthcare professionals' experiences and perspectives are key to understanding current management practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore doctors' and nurses' experiences caring for delirious patients in the ICU.
- To describe the current processes of delirium management within ICUs.
- To identify challenges and areas for improvement in delirium care.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study utilizing focus groups was conducted.
- Seven focus groups were held with 38 doctors and nurses in 5 ICUs across 4 hospitals.
- Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data.
Main Results:
- Professionals viewed delirium as often underdiagnosed and poorly managed, leading to uncertainty.
- Discrepancies in pharmacological prescribing and decision-making were noted among doctors.
- Nurses faced challenges with non-pharmacological interventions and perceived a lack of urgency from some doctors; a lack of protocols created conflicts.
Conclusions:
- Delirious patients in ICUs present complex care challenges.
- The implementation of specific delirium management protocols is necessary.
- Improving care processes for ICU delirium requires addressing professional perspectives and organizational factors.
