Challenges in the assessment and non-pharmacological management of delirium by nurses in Intensive Care Units

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.97798pt

Keywords:

Intensive Care Units, Delirium, Nursing Care, Critical Care, Patient Safety

Abstract

Objective: Identify challenges in implementing non-pharmacological strategies for delirium prevention in critically ill patients.

Method: Qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study, conducted with 25 intensive care nurses from the five regions in Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were carried out between August and October 2023 and analyzed through discursive textual analysis, in accordance with COREQ guidelines.

Results: The main barriers identified were lack of standardized protocols and tools for delirium detection, structural limitations within units, and restrictions on family participation in intensive care.

Conclusion: Structural, institutional, and organizational challenges undermine the efficacy of non-pharmacological strategies. Investments in training, environmental adjustments, and patient-centered care policies are fundamental.

Author Biographies

Júlia Horn Scherer, Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Nurse. Specialist in Intensive Care. São Lucas Hospital of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Taylor Felipe Alves Maia, University of the Sinos River Valley, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Nurse. University of the Sinos River Valley, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Clayton Felipe da Silva Telles, Universidad del Valle del Río Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brasil.

Enfermero. Universidad del Valle del Río Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brasil.

Amanda dos Santos Fragoso, Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Nurse. Intensive Care Specialist. Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Pedro Guilherme Nascimento Tetericz Propodolski, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Nurse. Specialist in Emergency Nursing. University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Mara Ambrosina de Oliveira Vargas, University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.

Fábio Silva da Rosa, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD student in Nursing. Professor at the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.

References

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Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

Scherer, J. H., Maia, T. F. A., Telles, C. F. da S., Fragoso, A. dos S., Propodolski, P. G. N. T., Vargas, M. A. de O., & da Rosa, F. S. (2025). Challenges in the assessment and non-pharmacological management of delirium by nurses in Intensive Care Units. Cogitare Enfermagem, 30. https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.97798pt

Issue

Vol. 30 (2025)

Section

Research

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Copyright (c) 2025 Júlia Horn Scherer, Taylor Felipe Alves Maia, Clayton Felipe da Silva Telles, Amanda dos Santos Fragoso , Pedro Guilherme Nascimento Tetericz Propodolski , Mara Ambrosina de Oliveira Vargas , Fábio Silva da Rosa

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