Analysis of Factors Related to Delirium in Hospitalized Cancer Patients in General Wards
- Author:
Sojeong PARK
1
;
Hyangkyu LEE
;
Mona CHOI
;
Hyejin KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:Asian Oncology Nursing 2026;26(1):20-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to identify the incidence and related factors of delirium among cancer patients admitted to the general wards of a tertiary hospital.
Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 9,749 adult cancer patients. Patients who screened positive for delirium were assessed using the Korean version of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC). Data were analyzed using χ² tests, t-tests, and multiple logistic regression.
Results:The incidence of delirium was 2.5% (n=243) based on screening results. Significant predictors included older age, longer hospital stays, emergency room admission, 90-day readmission, completion of life-sustaining treatment decisions, surgical department admission, altered consciousness (the strongest predictor), elevated white blood cell and blood urea nitrogen levels, and low albumin levels (p<.050).These 10 factors showed high discriminatory power for delirium (AUC=.91, 95% CI: 0.90~0.93).
Conclusion:The Nu-DESC should be actively utilized in clinical practice for early delirium detection. Nursing interventions must prioritize managing modifiable factors such as nutritional status, infection, and dehydration. Furthermore, case-sharing systems and regular education are essential to enhance nursing expertise and ensure patient safety.
