Improving delirium detection in intensive care units: Multicomponent education and training program.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Healthcare Education
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Delirium is a frequent and severe complication in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Delirium detection and management are often inadequate in critical care settings.
• A need exists for effective delirium education strategies in ICUs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a multicomponent delirium education and training program.
• To assess the impact of a Train-The-Trainer (TTT) model on delirium detection.
• To improve the identification of delirium in a large health system.

Main Methods:

• A multicomponent delirium program was implemented across 14 ICUs in nine hospitals.
• The program included a 1-day workshop and telehealth-based training (tele-delirium).
• Program evaluation used the Kirkpatrick model with pre/post-testing and satisfaction surveys.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported lack of knowledge as the primary barrier to delirium detection.
• The delirium workshop received positive ratings, with 100% likely to change practice.
• Delirium detection improved from 9.1% to 21.2% post-workshop and 30.1% with tele-delirium training (p=0.005).

Conclusions:

• A multicomponent delirium education program using a TTT model is effective.
• The program enhanced nurses' knowledge of delirium assessment tools like the CAM-ICU.
• The training significantly increased delirium detection rates in ICUs.