Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Caring for Patients with Delirium at AL-Thawra Hospital, Yemen

Abstract Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting is often under-recognized and undertreated lead to increases morbidity, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay. Nurses' knowledge and practice had a significant role in the improvement of the quality of healthcare and preventive measures for patients with delirium. The study aimed: To assess nurses' knowledge and practices regarding care of patients with delirium at AL-Thawra Hospital – Yemen. Subjects & method: A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. The study incorporated a convenience sample of (60) nurses working in the ICUs. Data collection tools included: demographic and workrelated characteristics data, nurses’ knowledge questionnaire of delirium, and observational checklist for assessment of nurses' practices caring for delirium patients. Results: Age of studied nurses' was ranged from 25 to 30 years old, and 61.7% of them were females, 55% had a diploma in nursing , and 61.7% of nurses had 1-5 years working in ICU. The majority of the studied nurses had poor knowledge and practices, with a significant decrease in the total mean score (29.72±7.00 & 48.38±20.20), respectively. Conclusion: Nurses had poor knowledge and practices regarding the care of delirium patients. Recommendations: Education program regarding the care of delirium patients in ICU is essential for nurses to improve their knowledge and practices.