The Management of Sedated Patients Experiencing Delirium: Nurses Experiences and Perspectives at Selected Hospitals in Namibia

Background: Delirium is a debilitating form of brain dysfunction frequently encountered in the Intensive Care Units; thus, the nurse must always be alert to the risk factors for delirium. Delirium has detrimental consequences on the health of patients; it is associated with prolonged stays in the hospitals and it increases their risk of injury, therefore, the identification of delirium in advance is the crucial first step in its treatment and management. Methods: A qualitative research approach with an exploratory, descriptive, contextual and phenomenological design was adopted, with a total of 22 participants from all the state ICUs in Windhoek were interviewed. The researcher used the face-to-face interview technique of collecting data, while using purposive sampling. Results: The study showed participants perceived and experienced many challenges when managing sedated patients with delirium. Participants perceived the presence of support systems and the limited resources that assists management of delirium. Participants perceived ensuring safety and comfort of delirious patients was vital and Participants perceived the improvements that could enhance the management of delirium. Conclusion: It was concluded that there are many challenges that are involved in the management of sedated patients that are experiencing delirium in the ICU. It was concluded there are resources however limited and support systems that helps in delirium management. Resources such as the multi-disciplinary team as well as pharmaceutical resources. Ensuring comfort and safety to the patient is one way of managing delirium.