Challenges in the assessment and non-pharmacological management of delirium by nurses in Intensive Care Units

Objective: Identify challenges in implementing non-pharmacological strategies for delirium prevention in critically ill patients. Method: Qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study, conducted with 25 intensive care nurses from the five regions in Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were carried out between August and October 2023 and analyzed through discursive textual analysis, in accordance with COREQ guidelines. Results: The main barriers identified were lack of standardized protocols and tools for delirium detection, structural limitations within units, and restrictions on family participation in intensive care. Conclusion: Structural, institutional, and organizational challenges undermine the efficacy of non-pharmacological strategies. Investments in training, environmental adjustments, and patient-centered care policies are fundamental.