Dissertation
Improving Communication of Intensive Care Delirium to the Health Care Team
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background About 40% of patients with ICU delirium have persistent cognitive impairment months after an ICU stay. Communicating ICU delirium impacts timely cognitive evaluation and referral to therapies that can improve functioning and quality of life. This project addressed the gap in the reporting and documentation of ICU delirium to the health care team. PurposeTo improve communication and documentation of ICU delirium up to hospital discharge to impact follow-up and long-term outcomes.MethodsThe Plan Do Study Act quality improvement framework was used, and 100 adult ICU patients with delirium were included. Pre and post implementation chart reviews were conducted for six weeks and five months, respectively, and the presence or absence of delirium data was noted. An evidenced-based template, for intensivists and hospitalists, containing delirium data elements was implemented. Education was provided to intensivists, ICU nurses, and hospitalists on the importance of communicating ICU delirium. A delirium family teaching sheet was adapted for these patients with non-terminal delirium. Pre and posttest surveys using a five-point Likert scale measured delirium knowledge of the ICU nurses and intensivists. FindingsIntensivist documentation of delirium increased (0% to 41%; p<0.001). Use of any delirium term increased (45% to 84%; p<0.001) and the improvement sustained at a rate > 80%. Discharge summaries with delirium increased (0% to 17%; p=.0.05) and delirium recommendations increased (25% to 41%; p>0.05). Staff demonstrated accurate knowledge of ICU delirium by >62% following the education.DiscussionAn evidence-based delirium template and staff education increased communication of delirium from ICU to discharge. Recommendations were to educate new hire providers on the delirium template and to post the delirium family teaching sheet in all ICU rooms.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Improving Communication of Intensive Care Delirium to the Health Care Team
- Creators
- Serena L Curler - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Teresa Judge-Ellis (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Serena L Curler
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841527502771
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