Qualitative study on the experiences and needs of ward nurses caring for elderly patients with postoperative delirium
10.3760/cma.j.cn211501-20240426-01048
- VernacularTitle:病区护士护理老年术后谵妄患者体验及需求的质性研究
- Author:
Ying ZHANG
1
;
Huali FENG
1
;
Caijuan XU
1
;
Haiyan ZHOU
1
;
Ruiyi ZHAO
1
Author Information
1. 浙江大学医学院附属第二医院护理部，杭州 310009
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Nurses;
Aged;
Delirium;
Qualitative research;
Nursing experience
- From:
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing
2025;41(10):767-772
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To deeply understand the psychological experiences and needs of ward nurses caring for elderly patients with postoperative delirium, providing insights for improving their care capabilities.Methods:A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling to select nurses from the surgical wards of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine who had cared for elderly patients with postoperative delirium between January and March 2024. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and traditional content analysis was used to extract themes.Results:Sixteen surgical ward nurses, aged 26-48 years old and all female, were interviewed. Four themes and nine sub-themes were identified: internal stress in caring for elderly patients with postoperative delirium (concerns about failing to recognize changes in condition, leading to delayed treatment; physical and psychological stress overwhelming nursing work); external challenges in caring for elderly patients with postoperative delirium (uncontrollable patient behavior; lack of close collaboration between medical staff; lack of awareness among patient families about postoperative delirium); lack of knowledge about postoperative delirium (difficulty in identifying subtypes of postoperative delirium; lack of knowledge about postoperative delirium management); and a desire for systematic professional support (urgent need for operational guidelines on postoperative delirium management in elderly patients; expectation for the establishment of a multidisciplinary team for postoperative delirium management in elderly patients).Conclusions:Nursing managers should pay attention to the physical and mental health of ward nurses, provide multifaceted support, strengthen their knowledge about postoperative delirium in elderly patients, optimize postoperative delirium management, and improve their care capabilities.
