Critical Care Nurses’ Perception and Practice in Assessing Delirium

Background and Aim: Delirium is one of the common cognitive disorders in patients hospitalized in intensive care units.Early diagnosis and identification of risk factors for delirium are essential for preventing and reducing complications, mortality, and treatment costs.This study aimed to determine the perception and practice of intensive care unit nurses in assessing delirium in Qom in 2025. Materials and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on intensive care unit nurses selected through convenience sampling.A demographic information questionnaire and the nursing practices and perceptions toward delirium were used to collect data.The data were described using descriptive statistics, including mean, frequency, and percentage. Results:The mean score of nurses' perception in assessing delirium was 14.86±1.86.Sedation level assessment was performed by 53.45% of the nurses, and delirium assessment was conducted by 55.17% of them.Regarding delirium symptoms, 62.06% of the samples did not assess patients' compliance with instructions.Agitation was assessed by only 27.98% of the samples.The majority of nurses did not assess confusion (72.42%) or conduct delirium screening (79.96%), and psychiatric consultation was performed by 43.1% of the nurses. Conclusion:It is recommended to plan improvements in nurses' perception and practice regarding the assessment of confusion and restlessness, delirium screening, and psychiatric consultation in the intensive care unit.Empowering nurses to use validated tools for assessing delirium is essential.