Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Perceived Self-efficacy in Preventing and Managing Delirium in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to assess knowledge and perceived self-efficacy level of nursing students in preventing and managing delirium in critically ill patients. The study involved 140 nursing students from Boromarajonani College of Nursing Sanpasithiprasong and was carried out between February and May of 2023. The research instrument used in this study included a questionnaire that gathered information on personal details, knowledge of nursing care for patients at high risk of delirium, and perceived self-efficacy in preventing and managing delirium. The overall content validity index for the questionnaire was 0.97, indicating a high level of content validity. The knowledge of nursing care for patients at high risk of delirium was assessed using the Kuder-Richardson (KR-20) test, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.74. The questionnaire related to perceived self-efficacy in preventing and managing acute states had a confidence value of 0.94. Data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Most of the subjects in the study were female, accounting for 93.57% of the participants within the age range of 20-22 years. The accumulated (overall) grade point average (GPAX) for the students mostly ranged from 2.51 to 3.00. They had a moderate level of knowledge concerning the care of patients suffering from delirium in critical illness. On average, their knowledge score was 6.76 (SD=1.97). Specifically, 51.40% of students reported a middle level of perceived self-efficacy, while 47.10% reported a high level. In summary, this research provides valuable insights into the knowledge and self-efficacy of bachelor's nursing students in the context of delirium care for critically ill patients. These findings can inform strategies to improve nursing education and ultimately enhance nursing outcomes.