(VP079) NURSES' PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN DELIRIUM ASSESSMENT/MANAGEMENT IN CARDIAC SURGERY CRITICAL CARE.

Background: Delirium is a frequent complication among cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) patients, impacting their recovery and increasing their mortality risk. Although controlled studies show the benefits of family involvement in assessing and managing postoperative delirium, a pan-Canadian survey highlights that ICU nurses poorly employ this strategy.

Aim: To describe the perceptions of ICU nurses regarding what facilitates or complicates family involvement in the care surrounding the assessment and management of delirium in critically ill cardiac surgery patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A convenience sample of 18 cardiac surgery ICU nurses was recruited in winter of 2023 from two ultra-specialized ICUs in Montreal. Following written informed consent, participants participated in a semi-structured individual interview guided by the family system approach. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed using Microsoft Office 365 software. Analyses were performed using the six-step method proposed by Braun & Clarke, (2006).

Most participants were female (15 out of 18), white, on average 36 years old, and had clinical experience in cardiac surgery intensive care units ranging from 2 to 16 years. 16 out of 18 participants had a bachelor's degree in nursing, while the remaining two had a master's degree. Four significant themes relating directly to nurses' perception of family involvement in delirium care emerged from the analysis: 1) Families can be involved in delirium care once patients have reached hemodynamic stability; 2) Family information is helpful for early detection of delirium; 3) Several nursing strategies are already put in place to facilitate family involvement in delirium care; and 4) Family involvement in delirium care is not always easy depending on family characteristics and pre-admission preparation level of ICU.

Conclusion:

Conclusion: Contrary to the pan-Canadian survey conclusions, results from this study suggest that family involvement in delirium care in cardiac surgery critical care is already common practice in the study sites. However, several barriers remain with an opportunity to inform upcoming research and ongoing educational activities on this topic in the ICU setting.