ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Barriers and facilitators to the delivery of delirium care in intensive care units: an analysis informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors' conclusion
Although ICU delirium is acknowledged as being important by clinical staff, management is often hindered by systemic and cultural barriers.
Study context
- Population
- Healthcare professionals working in UK NHS ICUs
- Participants
- 21 professionals · 20 hospitals
- Outcome
- Barriers and facilitators to the use of ICU delirium identification tools and implementation of care protocols
Methodological detailssemi-structured interviews, purposive sampling, thematic analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework, Participants: consultants (n = 9); nurses (n = 8); advanced critical care practitioners (n = 2); allied health professionals (n = 2)
- Semi-structured interviews
- Purposive sampling
- Thematic analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework
- Participants: consultants (n = 9); nurses (n = 8); advanced critical care practitioners (n = 2); allied health professionals (n = 2)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Barriers and facilitators to delirium care
- Five major barriers: lack of prioritisation; lack of structured ICU delirium care protocols; inability to implement interventions due to physical space constraints and/or lack of resources; loss of experienced staff; changes in ICU nursing culture
- Facilitators: clear protocols; continued staff training; increased awareness; delirium champions; post-ICU follow-up clinics; family engagement; effective communication; digital prompts within mandatory electronic documentation
Original publication
Barriers and facilitators to the delivery of delirium care in intensive care units: an analysis informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Anaesthesia. Published 7 October 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →