Nursing patients suffering in delirium at ICUs (Intensive Care Units)

Delirium is a very common and serious health complication which mostly affects elderly patients and is associated with multiple negative effects, such as prolongation of hospitalization, increase in financial expenses, higher mortality and more frequent need for further institutional solutions. Care for patients with delirium means increased mental and physical exertion for the nursing staff and is also more time-consuming. This bachelor thesis addresses the issues of nursing care for patients affected by delirium. It has three objectives. The first objective examines the specifics of nursing care for patients with delirium on selected surgical critical care units. The second objective examines the way nurses manage communication with patients affected by delirium, and the third objective maps the knowledge nurses have of care for patients with delirium. There are four research questions assigned to the objectives and they are based on the set objectives. The empirical part of this thesis used qualitative research method. It is based on a semi-structured interview, which was conducted with nurses working in intensive care units of surgical disciplines. The answers were analysed and then categorized. The research survey was complemented by participant observation of the nursing staff who took part in the interview. The research survey has found that the majority of surveyed nurses did not have the correct approach to patients affected by delirium. Nursing care for these patients was influenced by their mood. In some cases, there was an excessive use of restraints and disregard for the Restriction of patient's movement policy. The nurses who participated in the interview had good knowledge of proper communication methods with patients affected by delirium but in some cases did not use them in practice. They had less knowledge in the fields of prevention and nursing interventions of delirium. The results show that nurses lack theoretical and practical experience required to deal with this very common and serious health complication. This bachelor thesis could serve as a basis for organizing a seminar on this issue for nurses