Jordanian Intensive Care Unit Nurses’ Knowledge of Delirium Recognition

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is a clinical syndrome that negatively affects the outcomes of the intensive care units patients if undetected early and treated well. However, this condition remains under recognized and poorly managed by health care providers including nurses. The objective of this study was to check nurses' knowledge level about delirium recognition.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 176 intensive care units nurses working in four major hospitals in Amman, Jordan. Data were collected using a self-reported likert scale questionnaire.

RESULTS: Nurses lack the basic knowledge about delirium recognition; the mean was (52.65 ± 4.99). Older nurses (aged 31 years and above) have significantly higher levels of knowledge regarding delirium recognition compared to younger nurses (mean ± SD, 56.02 ± 18.1 vs. 49.28 ± 12.65, P < .005). Moreover, nurses with longer experience in intensive care units were more knowledgeable about delirium recognition (r=0.73, p <.001).Graduate studies have a positive effect on the knowledge level. Nurses holding master degree have significantly higher levels of knowledge regarding delirium recognition compared to those with Baccalaureate degree; (mean ± SD, 60.28 ± 16.86 vs. 53.0 ± 12.18, P < .005).

CONCLUSION: Delirium is a widespread disorder in the intensive care units. Jordanian nurses lack the basic knowledge regarding essential characteristics of delirium and its recognition. Education of nurses in all care settings is vital and necessary.