Assessing ICU Nurses' Knowledge of Delirium in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a serious condition that significantly increases both mortality and morbidity. It is strongly associated with longer hospital and ICU stays, higher mortality rates, and more complications. The development of delirium in critically ill patients is one of the most important independent predictors of prolonged hospital stays and increased risk of mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the current knowledge levels of ICU nurses in Palestine about ICU delirium. A cross-sectional study with nonprobability convenience sample method was used. The level of ICU delirium knowledge was evaluated using a questionnaire. The results showed that the median knowledge score of ICU nurses regarding delirium was 6 out of 21, ranging between 3 and 13. This indicates a very low level of knowledge, as 96.4% of nurses scored between 0 and 11. Only 3.6% of nurses scored within the low knowledge range (12–14), and no nurses reached the moderate (15–17) or high (18–21) categories. All nurses had a positive perception of the importance of the ICU delirium assessment tool, as 71.9% of nurses think that the ICU delirium tool is very important. In comparison, the rest of the nurses (19.3%) reported it as an essential tool. Unfortunately, about 44% of ICU nurses were unaware of an assessment tool for ICU delirium. The most commonly heard tools for assessing ICU delirium were the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) tools (29.8 and 29.8%, respectively). In conclusion, the ICU nurses had limited awareness about ICU delirium, highlighting a significant knowledge gap. It is essential to address this gap through targeted education and training programs aimed at enhancing nurses' knowledge and skills. In conclusion, targeted training and education programs are crucial to equip ICU nurses with the necessary knowledge to recognize, prevent, and manage delirium effectively, ultimately leading to improved patient care outcomes.