Mixed-methods evaluation of a digital resource for interdisciplinary delirium education in Ireland (PechaKucha)

Background: Delirium is a common, underdiagnosed symptom of acute illness that can be prevented through early recognition and intervention. There is limited understanding of effective delirium education for pre-registration health students, and no evidence-based interdisciplinary digital resources exist. Using mixed methods, this study evaluates a co-designed digital tool for health students in Ireland to enhance their ability to prevent, identify, and manage delirium collaboratively [1-3].<br/><br/>Methods: Phase 1 assessed health profession students’ knowledge and self-efficacy in managing delirium through validated pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, including the Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire and a self-efficacy measure. Usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale and open-text feedback. In Phase 2, focus groups were conducted to explore students' practice post-intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and thematic analysis to assess changes in knowledge, self-efficacy, and usability.<br/><br/>Results: A total of 511 participants from two universities in Ireland took part in the study, including 316 nurses, 118 medics, and 77 allied health professionals (pharmacists, occupational therapists). Statistically significant improvements (p &lt; 0.01) were found in participants' knowledge, self-efficacy, and confidence in managing delirium, with nurses and pharmacists demonstrating the largest gains. Six focus groups were also conducted 3 months post-intervention, involving 44 students from all disciplines. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: ‘reframing delirium,’ where students felt empowered to support patients with delirium in practice; ‘delirium-friendly design,’ showing how students adapted clinical environments; ‘creative communication,’ reflecting improved verbal and non-verbal interactions; and ‘realities of delirium,’ highlighting suggestions for curriculum improvements.<br/><br/>Discussion: This study demonstrates that digital resources can effectively improve delirium education for pre-registration health students. Significant gains in knowledge, self-efficacy, and confidence were found, especially among nurses and pharmacists. The focus groups highlighted how students applied their learning in practice, adapting care environments and communication for patients with delirium. These results suggest that digital tools can address gaps in delirium training and should be integrated into health education curricula.<br/><br/>Abstract Summary: This study evaluated a digital tool for delirium education among 511 health profession students in Ireland. Significant improvements in knowledge, self-efficacy and confidence were observed, particularly among nurses. Focus groups revealed themes of improved practice, communication, and care environments. The findings support integrating digital resources into health education curricula.<br/><br/>References: 1. Cook, L., Coffey, A., Brown Wilson, C., Boland, P., Stark, P., Graham, M., McMahon, J., Tuohy, D., Barry, H. E., Murphy, J., Birch, M., Tierney, A., Anderson, T., McCurtin, A., Cunningham, E., Curran, G. M., &amp; Mitchell, G. (2024). Co-design and mixed methods evaluation of an interdisciplinary digital resource for undergraduate health profession students to improve the prevention, recognition, and management of delirium in Ireland: a study protocol. BMC Medical Education, 24, Article 475 . https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05468-1<br/>2. Brown Wilson, C., Anderson, T., Graham, M., Murphy, J., Mitchell, G., Tuohy, D., Barry, H. E., Boland, P., Birch, M., Tierney, A., Stark, P., McCurtin, A., Creighton, L., Henderson, E., Craig, S., McConnell, H., Guttridge, H., Cook, L., Cunningham, E., ... Coffey, A. (2024). Co-designing an interprofessional digital education resource on delirium: a student-led approach. BMC Medical Education, 24, Article 1122. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06023-8<br/>3. Tuohy, D., Boland, P., Stark, P., Cook, L., Anderson, T., Barry, H. E., Birch, M., Brown Wilson, C., Cunningham, E., McMahon, J., Graham, M., Curran, G. M., Mitchell, G., Murphy, J., Tierney, A., &amp; Coffey, A. (2024). Digital education about delirium for health care professional students: a mixed methods systematic review. BMC Medical Education, 24, Article 762. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05725-3