Delirium Training Program for Nurses

BackgroundDelirium is a common and serious clinical problem for hospitalized patients and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality and increased healthcare costs.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the preliminary usefulness of a novel delirium training program to improve nurses’ self-confidence in caring for patients with delirium.MethodOne or more nurses were selected from each ward to become the “delirium-link nurses,” and these nurses would then pass on their special training to the other nurses in their ward.ResultsThe outcome was evaluated with a self-reported 15-item measure to assess selfconfidence. A total of 390 nurses, including 32 delirium-link nurses, participated in this program. A significant effect was observed for 12 of the 15 items.ConclusionThis brief program can improve nurses’ self-confidence in treating delirium patients; however, more work is needed to improve nurses’ ability to detect delirium early.