Assessment of Nurses Knowledge Regarding Delirium in Adult Critical Care Units in Baqubah

Research Question: What is the knowledge level of nurses in assessing patients with delirium in critical care units in Baqubah?Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of nurses regarding the assessment and management of delirium in adult critical care units.Methodology: A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 36 registered nurses working in critical care units at Baqubah Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire, adapted from previously validated tools. The study targeted all eligible nursing staff who met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a response rate of 80% (n = 36).Sample: The sample included nurses who had worked in the critical care unit for at least six months. The exclusion criteria involved nurses on extended leave or those not currently working in critical care.Findings: The survey revealed that more than half of the nurses did not use validated tools for delirium assessment. Furthermore, there were no established protocols in place for delirium screening, contributing to non-compliance with clinical practice guidelines. The study identified poor perceptions and significant barriers to effective delirium screening. These insights can inform future interventions aimed at improving care quality in critical care units.Conclusion: Nurses' knowledge of delirium assessment was found to be moderate. The lack of proper protocols and education in this area highlights the need for improved training and the incorporation of delirium screening into standard clinical practice.