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Delirium in a residential care facility: An exploratory study of staff knowledge

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 12:33 authored by Buettel, A, Cleary, M, Marguerite BrambleMarguerite Bramble

Objective: To explore staff knowledge of delirium by eliciting meaning through descriptions of their experiences within a residential aged care facility (RACF). Methods: Six staff from one RACF in Australia participated in this qualitative study. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and analysed using Colaizzi’s analytical framework.

Results: The analysis revealed four themes: (i) absence of the word delirium; (ii) care based on intuition and automated actions; (iii) reliance on teamwork; and (iv) confusing delirium, depression and dementia.

Conclusion: Delirium was absent from clinical discourse in the RACF. Although participants concluded that delirium was common, lack of knowledge led to underassessment. Findings emphasise the need for staff education, informed assessment and clinical guidelines to better support staff care for residents.

History

Publication title

Australasian Journal on Ageing

Volume

36

Pagination

228-233

ISSN

1440-6381

Department/School

School of Nursing

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

Copyright 2017 AJA Inc.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Mental health

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