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Elderly ICU patients' and their family members' experiences of post-operative delirium: A qualitative study
Shu-Jun Zhang1, Jiao Zong2, Lu-Lu Gu2
1Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Wuxi Fifth Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; Intensive Care Unit, The fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, China.
Background:
Delirium affects up to 80 % of elderly patients in intensive care units (ICUs), creating significant distress for both patients and families.
Aim:
To explore the lived experiences of elderly ICU patients with delirium episodes and their family members who witnessed these experiences.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight elderly patients (≥65 years, mean age 76) who experienced ICU delirium and their family members. Interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results:
Six themes emerged: (1) Navigating Through a Strange Reality, (2) Physical and Emotional Distress, (3) The Aftermath Journey, (4) Family Members' Emotional Turmoil, (5) Communication Barriers and Bridges, and (6) Finding Ways to Cope.
Conclusions:
Findings highlight the need for enhanced pre-episode education, emotional support, and improved communication strategies between healthcare providers, patients, and families.
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