Perceptions of geriatric hospitalized patients after an episode of delirium

Confusion is a common problem experienced by geriatric patients in hospitals. The purpose of the study is to investigate hospitalized patients' recollection of an experience of delirium, and examine retrospective feelings of the experience of the confusional state after it has been resolved. A qualitative modified grounded theory design will be used. The study is a replication study of Schofield's (1997) study.The population for the study will be any geriatric hospitalized patient in a midwestern hospital. The sample will be between 20 to 30 patients who become delirious while hospitalized who can then later comprehend well enough to be involved in the study. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) will be used while the patient is hospitalized to determine level of delirium and whether the patient can participate in the study.After the patient is home an interview will be conducted using an open-ended approach. Three questions will be posed: (a) What is your recollection and interpretation of the experience, (b) Was there a cause found for the confusional episode, and (c) Do you feel that this incidence could lead to dementia in the future? There will also be time for the patient to discuss any feelings about the experience that were not addressed during the interview or while hospitalized.Prior to the interview, participants will receive a cover letter explaining the study. The interview will last about 45 minutes to one hour. All information obtained in the study will be kept confidential. No risks have been identified for participating in this study. Benefits include an opportunity for the patient to verbalize about the incident and to ask any questions concerning the episode.The significance of the study is that learning more about how the geriatric patient feels during an episode of delirium can give more information so that care can be tailored for the confused hospitalized patient.School of NursingThesis (M.S.