Evaluating the usability and knowledge testing of the delirium assessment tool, confusion assessment method for intensive care unit, for nurses in medical surgical intensive care unit

• Main Author: Leonard, Ashlee
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2016
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/13456/; https://research.library.mun.ca/13456/1/ALeonard%20Final%20Practicium%20Project.pdf

Background: Delirium is an acute change in cognition, complemented by inattention, affecting up to 80% of critically ill patients. The Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MSICU) within the Health Science Centre hospital utilizes the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) as a screening tool in the assessment of delirium. There has been no prior evaluation conducted on the CAM-ICU at this centre. Methods: 1) A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify gaps that exist within the literature that warrant further research to be conducted pertaining to the usability and knowledge testing of the CAM-ICU; 2) information was obtained from key invested knowledge experts regarding the current employment of the CAM-ICU within the MSICU; 3) Staff nurses were consulted to obtain feedback as to how to address current existing barriers regarding the utilization of the CAM-ICU, and how to further evaluate the usability and knowledge testing of the CAM-ICU; and 4) an evaluation report was developed to provide recommendations to key stakeholders on how to continue and further evaluate the CAM-ICU within the MSICU of the Health Science Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Results: The findings from the literature review and consultations directed the development of the evaluation report, which involved the distribution of questionnaires to staff nurses of the MSICU, and provided recommendations on how to further evaluate the usability and knowledge testing of the CAM-ICU. Conclusion: The proposed recommendations are ready for implementation at the end of Summer 2016. If successful, it would help to improve the quality of care that patients with delirium receive providing early diagnosis and treatment to patients with delirium.