Subscribe Publish
Subscribe Publish

Exp May 2, 2024

Read Our Latest Issue Read Now

A rapid scoping review of barriers and facilitators of implementing delirium prevention practices in adult critical care

Sarah Crowe, MN, PMD-NP (F), NP, CNCC(C) and A Fuchsia Howard, PhD, RN

Abstract

Background: Delirium is a serious complication of critical care that can have lasting effects on the patient’s life. Much of the work to date about delirium has been focused on identifying delirium risk factors, developing tools for screening and recognizing delirium, and testing interventions to treat those diagnosed with delirium. Despite evidence, implementing known delirium prevention and management strategies remains abysmal. This review aimed to identify and summarize literature reporting on the barriers and facilitators of implementing delirium prevention and management practices in adult critical care.

Methods: A rapid scoping review of the literature was conducted. The databases CINAHL and Ovid Medline were searched, and forward and backward reference checking was completed.  Data abstraction and analysis were performed by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer.

Results: After review of 74 full-text papers, 32 articles were included in the review. The articles were published between 2008 and 2022, with the majority conducted in the United States (53%). The barriers and facilitators of delirium prevention and management practices described in the reviewed articles were categorized as patient-level, clinician-level, and organizational-level factors.

Conclusion: The review found consistency among the published results.  However, opportunities to continue to grow research in this area remain; specifically in examining the opportunity to understand better the decision-making process surrounding how care is prioritized when taking into consideration the present barriers and facilitators and the opportunity to use implementation science to create and sustain change in the practice of delirium prevention and management strategies.

Implications for Nursing

This rapid scoping review summarizes the facilitators and barriers to implementing delirium prevention related practices into critical care which will better equip critical care nurses to improve care outcomes for patients at risk for or experiencing delirium.

The summary of facilitators and barriers equips critical care leaders and teams to implement delirium prevention practices.

This review also highlights the ongoing need for a focus on improving delirium in critical care.

Key Words: Delirium, Facilitators, Barriers, Critical Care, Nursing

Background

Delirium is a serious complication associated with hospitalization and particularly with a critical care stay (Collet, Thomsen & Egerod, 2018). In Canada, there are approximately three million hospitalizations annually, roughly 11% of which include a stay in critical care (CIHI, 2016). The incidence of delirium in hospitalized adults ranges from 20 – 30% (Collet et al., 2018; Piao et al., 2018). However, delirium rates in critical care are significantly higher, particularly in those who receive mechanical ventilation, wherein incidence can be as high as 80% (Collet et al., 2018; Piao et al., 2018). Delirium is a syndrome characterized by an acute disturbance in consciousness and changes in cognition that fluctuates during the day with three subtypes identified – hyperactive, hypoactive, and mixed hyper and hypoactive (Collet et al., 2018; Piao et al., 2018). Delirium-associated complications are profound for patients and the healthcare system and include prolonged length of stay in critical care and hospital and increased mortality and morbidity (Chaplin & Mcluskey, 2020; Fowler, 2019). In a meta-analysis of 28 studies comparing delirious versus non-delirious patients, those with delirium had a higher severity of illness, a longer length of stay in critical care (risk ratio 1.38), and a greater overall risk of death (risk ratio 2.19) (Salluh et al., 2015). Long-term health outcomes were also worse, with delirious patients having poorer global cognition at three- and twelve-months post-hospital discharge (Salluh et al., 2015).

Delirium is a significant complication, and researchers have focused on identifying delirium risk factors, developing tools for screening and recognizing delirium, and testing interventions to treat those diagnosed with delirium (Collet et al., 2018; Fowler, 2019; Birge & Aydin, 2017; Devlin et al., 2018; Martinez, Donoso, Marquez & Labarca, 2017). Multiple risk factors have been associated with increased risk for developing delirium. These risk factors include sepsis, shock, blood glucose fluctuation, hypoxia, electrolyte imbalances, as well as untreated pain, agitation, and previous history of delirium (Barr & Pandharipande, 2013).  Adverse drug reactions and environmental factors also increased the risk of delirium (Barr & Pandharipande, 2013). Consistent screening for delirium using a validated tool and a bundled approach to implementing delirium prevention and management practices has been shown to improve patient outcomes (Pun et al., 2019). Delirium prevention and management practices that have been proven effective include assessing, preventing, and adequately treating pain, use of spontaneous breathing trials to evaluate the need for mechanical ventilation, appropriate choice of analgesic and sedative agents, delirium screening, early mobilization, and family engagement (Sosnowski et al., 2023). These items comprise the ABCDEF bundle (Pun et al., 2019; Sosnowski et al., 2023). Implementing the ABCDEF bundle has shown meaningful improvements in patient outcomes related to delirium (Pun et al., 2019; Sosnowski et al., 2023).

Despite evidence that delirium prevention and management strategies are effective, such as the ABCDEF bundle, maintenance of a day-night routine, and sensory and orientation support, their implementation remains low. Hospitals implementing multicomponent processes for preventing, assessing, and treating delirium have reduced delirium incidence (Collinsworth et al., 2016). However, few critical care units in Canada have consistently adopted these practices (Collinsworth et al., 2016).  Implementation of delirium prevention and management practices depends on nurses prioritizing and integrating these strategies within the context of multiple competing care demands and established critical care practices and routines. Evidence to support nurses in prioritizing delirium prevention and management strategies needs to be more robust, as does evidence to identify barriers and facilitators to inform changes in critical care work environments that would make delirium prioritization possible.

This rapid scoping review identified and synthesized literature reporting on the barriers and facilitators to implementing delirium prevention and management practices in adult critical care environments. The findings of this review will inform research examining how critical care nurses prioritize patient care and the relation to delirium prevention and management.

Methodology and Review Design

Scoping reviews are a popular method for conducting knowledge synthesis “which incorporate a range of study designs to comprehensively summarize and synthesize evidence with the aim of informing practice, programs, and policy and providing direction to future research priorities” (Colquhoun et al., 2014, p. 1291).  Rapid reviews are a form of review in which some of the traditional review processes are simplified or omitted to yield information quickly (Tricco et al., 2015). Rapid scoping reviews are generally conducted in a shorter timeframe to answer context-specific clinical questions (Tricco et al., 2015; Colquhoun et al., 2014). For this project, a rapid scoping review process was chosen as it met the project’s needs and due to the limitation of funding and time.

Search

A search strategy was developed in consultation with a hospital librarian to locate recent literature reporting on barriers and facilitators of delirium prevention and management practices in adult critical care settings. The search strategy was applied to the databases CINAHL and Ovid Medline only due to the rapid nature of this review. Initially, a comprehensive search was conducted to identify articles published from before 1946 to 2023, then narrowed to 2000 to 2023 to reflect the period when the importance of delirium in critical care emerged. The search was limited to publications in English.  Table 1 describes the inclusion and exclusion criteria, while Table 2 provides an outline of the search strategy. A grey literature search was not conducted.

Screening

Citations were downloaded for screening. Because this was a rapid review, the initial screening was done by one author (C.S.) to eliminate duplicates, followed by a title and abstract review to determine if the inclusion/exclusion criteria were met. Following this initial review, 74 full-text manuscripts were reviewed to determine if they met inclusion criteria, with a resulting 23 manuscripts being included. Using forward and backward reference checking, the reference lists of 23 manuscripts were also reviewed to identify relevant articles not captured in the database searches. A subsequent review of the reference titles and abstracts was conducted. Nine additional articles were included from this secondary search (see Figure 1 for PRISMA Flow Diagram).

Data Extraction

A data extraction template was created using Microsoft Word. The primary author extracted data from each of the included articles, including the year of publication, study location, research methodology, and identified barriers and facilitators.

Results

A total of thirty-two articles were included in this scoping review (see supplemental Table). The articles reported on published work from 2008 to 2022 (see Figure 2), conducted in the United States (n = 17), Australia (n = 6), United Kingdom (n = 3), Canada (n = 2), Netherlands (n = 1), Italy (n  = 1), China (n = 1), and Thailand (n = 1); and used a variety of research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) and quality improvement projects.

The barriers and facilitators of implementing delirium prevention and management practices evident in the reviewed articles were categorized as patient-level, clinician-level, and organizational-level factors.

Patient-Level Factors

Patient-level factors impacting implementation of delirium-related prevention and management practices had to do with the patient’s acuity level and potential for deterioration, existing delirium, and physical characteristics (Table 3). According to the articles, increasing patient complexity resulted in greater barriers to implementing delirium-related practices (Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas, 2019; Brock et al., 2018; Costa et al., 2017; Davis & MacLullich, 2009; Devlin et al., 2008; Dubb et al., 2016; Lin et al., 2020; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Potter, Miller & Newman, 2021; Weber et al., 2017; Winkelman & Peereboom, 2010). It was reported that it was easier to deliver delirium prevention or care practices to more awake, cooperative, and stable patients (Brock et al., 2018; Winkelman & Peereboom, 2010). Existing delirium was reported in 13 articles to be a barrier to delirium-related practices (Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas, 2019; Brock et al., 2018; Costa et al., 2017; Davis & MacLullich, 2009; Devlin et al., 2008; Dubb et al., 2016; Lin et al., 2020; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Potter, Miller & Newman, 2021; Weber et al., 2017; Winkelman & Peereboom, 2010).

Clinician-Level Factors

This category includes information about facilitators and barriers delirium prevention and management practices that are related to clinician capacity (see Table 3 for summary). According to 14 articles, clinician lack of training or knowledge coupled with delirium perceived as a low priority, was highlighted as a significant barrier to implementing delirium practices (Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas, 2019; Costa et al., 2017; Dafoe et al., 2015; Devlin et al., 2008; Fowler, 2019; Goddard et al., 2018; Law et al., 2012; Lin et al., 2020; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Riekerk et al., 2009; Rowley-Conwy, 2018; Sinvani et al., 2021). Six articles identified that nurses reported concerns about personal musculoskeletal injury, increased workload, and general work stress to be barriers to implementing delirium practices (Balas et al., 2013; Carrothers et al., 2013; Collinsworth et al., 2021; Costa et al., 2017; Lin et al., 2020; Negro et al., 2022). Feeling supported and autonomous in practice was also identified in three articles as a facilitator of delirium practices (Boehm et al., 2020; Collinsworth et al., 2021; Costa et al., 2017).

Organization-Level Factors

Among the factors influencing the implementation of delirium-related practices, the functionality of interdisciplinary teams emerged as a critical element. As observed across the reviewed literature (see Table 3 for summary), the collaborative efforts of healthcare providers from diverse disciplines play a pivotal role in delirium care. The effectiveness of these teams hinges on the availability of organizational resources, such as equipment and technology, as well as the presence of skilled staff (Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas, 2019; Balas et al., 2013; Barber et al., 2015; Boehm et al., 2020; Brummel et al., 2013; Carrothers et al., 2013; Collinsworth et al., 2021; Costa et al., 2017; Dafoe et al., 2015; Davis & MacLullich, 2009; Devlin et al., 2011; Dubb et al., 2016; Elliot, 2014; Fowler, 2019; Goddard et al., 2018; Law et al., 2012; Lin et al., 2020; Negro et al., 2022; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Riekerk et al., 2009; Rowley-Conwy, 2018; Sinvani et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2020; Weber et al., 2017). However, a lack of cohesion within these teams, compounded by high patient acuity and workload, presents a significant barrier to effective delirium management (Barber et al., 2015; Negro et al., 2022; Parry et al., 2017). Additionally, organizational or unit culture plays a crucial role, with a supportive environment being conducive to the adoption of delirium-related practices (Balas, 2019; Barber et al., 2015; Brummel et al., 2013; Carrothers et al., 2013; Collinsworth et al., 2021; Costa et al., 2017; Dubb et al., 2016; Goddard et al., 2018; Parker et al., 2021; Weber et al., 2017). Organizations fostering a culture of quality improvement or research demonstrate higher levels of implementation success (Lin et al., 2020; Negro et al., 2022; Parker et al., 2021), often driven by engaged leadership that recognizes the significance of delirium management and prevention (Lin et al., 2020; Negro et al., 2022; Parker et al., 2021). Thus, acknowledging and fostering the functionality of interdisciplinary teams within supportive organizational cultures are essential steps towards enhancing delirium care practices.

Discussion

There is a wealth of evidence demonstrating the adverse effects of delirium on patient outcomes in critical care settings (Balas, 2019; Devlin et al., 2018). Consequently, the implementation of effective delirium prevention and management practices is paramount for ensuring optimal care for critically ill patients. Research identifying the barriers and facilitators to delirium prevention and management practices in adult critical care is foundational to developing successful implementation strategies.  

Across the thirty-two studies included in our scoping review, various factors at different levels were found to be facilitators or barriers to the implementation of delirium prevention and management practices. Patient-level factors primarily focused on the patient’s acuity of illness, physical characteristics, and clinical behaviors, including the presence of delirium itself (Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas, 2019; Brock et al., 2018; Costa et al., 2017; Davis & MacLullich, 2009; Devlin et al., 2008; Dubb et al., 2016; Lin et al., 2020; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Potter, Miller & Newman, 2021; Weber et al., 2017; Winkelman & Peereboom, 2010). These patient-level factors often intersect with clinician-level barriers, such as personal beliefs that delirium was not a priority, safety concerns over the ability to implement delirium mitigation strategies (e.g. mobilizing critically ill patients), and inadequate training, which further compound the challenges of delirium care (Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas et al., 2013; Balas, 2019; Boehm et al., 2020; Carrothers et al., 2013; Collinsworth et al., 2021; Costa et al., 2017; Dafoe et al., 2015; Devlin et al., 2008; Fowler, 2019; Goddard et al., 2018; Law et al., 2012; Lin et al., 2020; Negro et al., 2022; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Riekerk et al., 2009; Rowley-Conwy, 2018; Sinvani et al., 2021).

Furthermore, organizational-level factors, including unit culture and resource availability, significantly shape the environment for delirium care (Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas, 2019; Balas et al., 2013; Barber et al., 2015; Boehmet al., 2020; Brummel et al., 2013; Carrothers et al., 2013; Collinsworth et al., 2021; Costa et al., 2017; Dafoe et al., 2015; Davis & MacLullich, 2009; Devlin et al., 2011; Dubb et al., 2016; Elliot, 2014; Fowler, 2019; Goddard et al., 2018; Law et al., 2012; Lin et al., 2020; Negro et al., 2022; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Riekerk et al., 2009; Rowley-Conwy, 2018; Sinvani et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2020; Weber et al., 2017). Although the numerous barriers and facilitators to implementing delirium-related practices were categorized into three overarching factors, the interconnectedness among these factors and the impact on guideline uptake should not be discounted.

It is important to describe how barriers at all levels interact with each other. Clinicians often report difficulty in adhering to recommended strategies outlined in guidelines due to safety concerns associated with managing hyperactive delirium (Anekwe et al., 2019; Devlin et al., 2011). These safety concerns may stem from organizational barriers such as inadequate staffing or poor collaboration among interdisciplinary team members (Fowler, 2019; Negro et al., 2022). Furthermore, the relationship between clinician-level and organizational-level barriers can exacerbate the challenges of guideline implementation. For instance, clinicians’ perceptions of inadequate support from their organizations may deter them from prioritizing delirium care, leading to suboptimal adherence to guidelines (Fowler, 2019; Negro et al., 2022). Conversely, organizational initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of safety and providing adequate resources can facilitate guideline uptake among clinicians (Negro et al., 2022; Parker et al., 2021).


The interconnectedness among these factors underscores the complexity of implementing delirium-related practices. While patient-level factors may influence the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing recommended interventions, clinician-level barriers can lead to suboptimal adherence to guidelines. Similarly, organizational factors, such as resource constraints and cultural norms, may impede the integration of best practices into routine care. Addressing these barriers necessitates a comprehensive approach that acknowledges their multifaceted nature and considers strategies at all levels. Interventions aimed at improving clinician education, fostering a supportive organizational culture, and optimizing resource allocation are essential for enhancing guideline uptake and improving delirium care in critical care settings.

This review highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to overcome the barriers to implementing delirium prevention and management practices in critical care. By addressing patient, clinician, and organizational-level factors, healthcare systems can enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes in this vulnerable population. Understanding the complexity of delirium prevention and management in critical care and the associated literature surrounding barriers and facilitators, makes it evident that an integrated knowledge translation framework is needed to create and sustain a change of practice successfully. The Society of Critical Care Medicine (2022) has completed work to improve delirium in critical care and advocated for the use of knowledge translation frameworks to assist in the implementation and sustainment of delirium practices. The integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework is designed explicitly for knowledge translation in complex healthcare systems and utilizes four key domains (Harvey & Kitson, 2016; Hunter et al., 2020; Roberts et al., 2021; Rycroft-Malone, 2004). While not specifically used for delirium related practice changes, the i-PARIHS framework has previously been successfully utilized in complex critical care environments to implement other evidence-based practices changes (Alostaz et al., 2022; Qin et al., 2020; Steffan et al., 2021). The core domains of the i-PARIHS framework include facilitation, innovation, context and recipients (Roberts et al., 2021). The i-PARIHS differs from the original PARIHS by using facilitators to adapt and mould the innovative change in such a way that the new practice fits the contextual uniqueness as a result of feedback from the recipients involved in the implementation, which can aid in the consideration and planning to help address identified barriers (Harvey & Kitson, 2016; Roberts et al., 2021). This framework would be practical due to the innate flexibility provided, the consideration for contextual factors, and the inclusion of the internal facilitator roles that act as change agents which are embedded in the practice area that promote adaption and encourage sustainment through ongoing engagement (Harvey & Kitson, 2016; Hunter et al., 2020).

Strengths/Limitations

Due to the rapid nature of this scoping review, which was chosen due to time constraints and a single reviewer conducting the review, there are potential limitations in the search strategy. However, forward and backward reference checking was completed, and the extracted data demonstrated consistent findings aligned with the identified themes. Another limitation was that the search included only  English-language publications and the lack of a grey literature search.

Conclusion

This rapid scoping review  describes the barriers and facilitators of delirium prevention and management practices in adult critical care. While our findings provide a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing the implementation of delirium-related practices, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limited exploration of nurses’ decision-making processes in managing delirium. Understanding the specific barriers experienced by nurses and other healthcare providers, and how these barriers influence decision-making, warrants further investigation. By delving deeper into the challenges faced by frontline caregivers, we can better tailor interventions to address their needs and enhance the implementation of evidence-based delirium prevention and management strategies. This represents an important avenue for future research, bridging the gap between research findings and clinical practice to optimize patient care in critical care settings.

Author Notes:

Sarah Crowe, MN, PMD-NP (F), NP, CNCC(C), Surrey Memorial Hospital, Fraser Health, Surrey, BC.

A. Fuchsia Howard, PhD, RN, University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Vancouver, BC.

Corresponding Author:

Sarah Crowe, MN, PMD-NP (F), NP, CNCC(C), Surrey Memorial Hospital, Fraser Health, Surrey, BC.  Email: sarah.crowe@fraserhealth.ca.

Funding and conflict of interest:

There are no conflicts of interest to declareThis manuscript is part of a larger study that was funded by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (Trainee Grant).  The foundation was not involved in the study design, data collection, analysis or preparation of the results. 

References

Alostaz, Z., Rose, L., Mehta, S., Johnston, L. & Dale, C. (2022). Physical restraint

practices in an adult intensive care unit: A prospective observational study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(7-8), 1163-1172. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16264

Anekwe, D.E., Koo, K.K., de Marchie, M., Goldberg, P., Jayaraman, D. & Spahija, J.

(2019). Interprofessional survey of perceived barriers and facilitators to early mobilization of critically ill patients in Montreal, Canada. Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, 34(3), 218 – 226. DOI: 10.1177/0885066617696846

Balas, M. C. (2019). Common challenges to effective ABCDEF bundle implementation:

The ICU liberation campaign experience. Critical Care Nurse, 39(1), 46–60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2019927

Balas, M.C., Burke, W.J., Gannon, D., Cohen, M.Z., Colburn, L., Bevil, C., Franz, D.,

Olsen, K.M., Ely, E.W. & Vasilevskis, E.E. (2013). Implementing the awakening and breathing coordination, delirium monitoring/management, and early exercise/mobility bundle into everyday care: opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned for implementing the ICU pain, agitation, and delirium guidelines. Critical Care Medicine, 41(9 supplemental), S116 – 127. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e3182a17064

Barber, E.A., Everard, T., Holland, A.E., Tipping, C., Bradley, S.J. & Hodgson, C.L.

(2015). Barriers and facilitators to early mobilization in Intensive Care: a qualitative study. Australian Critical Care, 28, 177 – 182. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2014.11.001

Barr, J. & Pandharipande, P. (2013). The pain, agitation, and delirium care bundle:

Synergistic benefits of implementing the 2013 pain, agitation, and delirium guidelines in an integrated and interdisciplinary fashion. Critical Care Medicine, 41(9), S99 – S115. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e3182a16ff0

Birge, A.O. & Aydin, H.T. (2017). The effect of nonpharmacological training on delirium

identification and intervention strategies of intensive care nurses. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 41(2017), 33 – 42. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2016.08.009

Boehm, L. M., Pun, B. T., Stollings, J. L., Girard, T. D., Rock, P., Hough, C. L. … Ely, E.

W. (2020). A multisite study of nurse-reported perceptions and practice of ABCDEF bundle components. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing, 60, 102872. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2020.102872

Brock, C., Marzano, V., Green, M., Wang, J., Neeman, T., Mitchell, I., & Bissett, B.

(2018). Defining new barriers to mobilisation in a highly active intensive care unit – Have we found the ceiling? Heart & Lung, 47(2018), 380 – 385. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2018.04.004

Brummel, N. E., Vasilevskis, E. E., Han, J. H., Boehm, L., Pun, B. T., & Ely, E. W.

(2013). Implementing delirium screening in the ICU: Secrets to success. Critical Care Medicine, 41(9), 2196–2208. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/CCM.0b013e31829a6f1e

Carrothers, K.M., Barr, J., Spurlock, B., Ridgely, M.S., Damberg, C.L. & Ely, E.W.

(2013). Contextual issues influencing implementation and outcomes associated with an integrated approach to managing pain, agitation, and delirium in adult ICUs. Critical Care Medicine, 41(9 suppl), S128 – 135. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e3182a2c2b1

Chaplin, T. & McLuskey, J. (2020). What influences nurses’ decision to mobilise the

critically ill patient? BACN Nursing in Critical Care, 25(6), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nicc.12464

CIHI (2016). Care in Canadian ICUs. Retrieved from:

https://secure.cihi.ca/free_products/ICU_Report_EN.pdf

Collet, M.O., Thomsen, T. & Egerod, I. (2018). Nurses’ and physicians’ approaches to

delirium management in the intensive care unit: A focus group investigation. Australian Critical Care, 32 (2019). 299 – 305. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc. 2018.07.001

Collinsworth, A.W., Priest, E.L., Campbell, C.R., Vasilevskis, E.E. & Masica, A.L.

(2016). A review of multifaceted care approaches for the prevention and mitigation of delirium in intensive care units. Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, 31(2), 127-141. DOI: 10.1177/0885066614553925

Collinsworth, A. W., Brown, R., Cole, L., Jungeblut, C., Kouznetsova, M., Qiu, T., …

Masica, A. L. (2021). Implementation and routinization of the ABCDE bundle: A mixed methods evaluation. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 40(6), 333–344. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/DCC.0000000000000495

Colquhoun, H.L., Levac, D., O’Brien, K.K., Straus, S., Tricco, A.C., Perrier, L., Kastner,

M. & Moher, D. (2014). Scoping reviews: Time for clarity in definition, methods, and reporting. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 67, 1291 – 1294. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.03.013

Costa, D. K., White, M. R., Ginier, E., Manojlovich, M., Govindan, S., Iwashyna, T. J., …

White, M. (2017). Identifying barriers to delivering the awakening and breathing coordination, delirium, and early exercise/mobility bundle to minimize adverse outcomes for mechanically ventilated patients: A systematic review. CHEST, 152(2), 304–311. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2017.03.054

Dafoe, S., Chapman, M.J., Edwards, S. & Stiller, K. (2015). Overcoming barriers to the

mobilisation of patients in the intensive care unit. Anaesth Intensive Care, 43(6), 719 – 727.

Davis, D., &MacLullich, A. (2009). Understanding barriers to delirium care: A multicentre

survey of knowledge and attitudes amongst UK junior doctors. Age and Ageing, 38(5), 559–563. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afp099

Devlin, J.W., Fong, J.J., Howard, E.P., Skrobik, Y., McCoy, N., Yasuda, C., & Marshall,

J. (2008). Assessment of delirium in the intensive care unit: Nursing practices and perceptions. American Journal of Critical Care, 17(6), 555–566. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2008.17.6.555

Devlin, J. W., Bhat, S., Roberts, R. J., & Skrobik, Y. (2011). Current perceptions and

practices surrounding the recognition and treatment of delirium in the intensive care unit: A survey of 250 critical care pharmacists from eight states. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 45(10), 1217–1229. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1Q332

Devlin, J.W., Skrobik, Y., Gelinas, C., Needham, D.M., …& Alhazzani, W. (2018).

Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of pain, agitation/sedation, delirium, immobility, and sleep disruption in adult patients in the ICU. Critical Care Medicine, 46(9), e825-e873. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.00000000000003299

Dubb, R., Nydahl, P., Hermes, C., Schwabbauer, N., Toonstra, A., Parker, A.M.,

Kaltwasser, A. & Needham, D.M. (2016). Barriers and strategies for early mobilization of patients in intensive care units. Annals of American Thoracic Society,13(5), 724 – 730. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201509-586CME. Epub 2016/05/06. PubMed PMID: 27144796.

Elliott, S. R. (2014). ICU delirium: A survey into nursing and medical staff knowledge of

current practices and perceived barriers towards ICU delirium in the intensive care unit. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing, 30(6), 333–338. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2014.06.004

Fowler, B. (2019). Clinical education to decrease perceived barriers to delirium

screening in adult intensive care units. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 42(1), 41 – 43. DOI: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000235

Goddard, S.L., Lorencatto, F., Koo, E., Rose, L., Fan, E., Kho, M.E., Needham, D.M.,

Rubenfeld, G.D., Francis, J.J. & Cuthbertson, B.H. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to early rehabilitation in mechanically ventilated patients—A theory-driven interview study. Journal of Intensive Care, 6(4). DOI::  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40560-018-0273-0

Harvey, G. & Kitson, A. (2016). PARIHS revisited: From heuristic to integrated framework for the successful implementation of knowledge into practice. Implementation Science,   11(33), 1 – 13. DOI: 10.1186/s13012-016-0398-2

Hunter, S.C., Kim, B., Mudge, A., Hall, L., Young, A., McRae, P. & Kitson, A.L. (2020).

Experiences of using the i-PARIHS framework: a co-designed case study of four multi-site implementation projects. BMC Health Services Research, 20(573). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05354-8

Law, T. J., Leistikow, N. A., Hoofring, L., Krumm, S. K., Neufeld, K. J., & Needham, D.

M. (2012). A survey of nurses’ perceptions of the intensive care delirium screening checklist. Dynamics, 23(4), 18–24

Lin, F., Phelan, S., Chaboyer, W. & Mitchell, M. (2020). Early mobilisation of ventilated

patients in the intensive care unit: a survey of critical care clinicians in an Australian tertiary hospital. Australian Critical Care, 33(2020), 130 – 136. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2019.02.002

Martinez, F., Donoso, A.M., Marquez, C. & Labarca, E. (2017). Implementing a

multicomponent intervention to prevent delirium among critically ill patients. Critical Care Nurse, 37(6), 36 -46. DOI: 10.4037/ccn2017531

Negro, A., Bambi, S., De Vecchi, M., Isotti, P., Villa, G., Miconi, L., …Zangrillo, A.

(2022). The ABCDE bundle implementation in an intensive care unit: Facilitators and barriers perceived by nurses and doctors. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 28(2), e12984. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12984

Panitchote, A., Tangvoraphonkchai, K., Suebsoh, N., Eamma, W., Chanthonglarng, B.,

Tiamkao, S., & Limpawattana, P. (2015). Under-recognition of delirium in older adults by nurses in the intensive care unit setting. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 27(5), 735–740. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-015-0323-6

Parker, A. M., Aldabain, L., Akhlaghi, N., Glover, M., Yost, S., Velaetis, M., …

Needham, D. M. (2021). Cognitive stimulation in an intensive care unit: A qualitative evaluation of barriers to and facilitators of implementation. Critical Care Nurse, 41(2), 51–60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2021551

Piao, J., Jin, Y. & Lee, S. (2018). Triggers and nursing influence on delirium in intensive

care units. BACN Nursing in Critical Care, 23(1), 8 – 15. DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12250

Potter, K., Miller, S., & Newman, S. (2021). Patient-level barriers and facilitators to early

mobilization and the relationship with physical disability post-intensive care: Part 2 of an integrative review through the lens of the world health organization international classification of functioning, disability, and health. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 40(3), 164–173. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/dcc.0000000000000470

Pun, B.T., Balas, M.C., Barnes-Daly, M.A., Thomspon, J.L., Aldrich, J.M., Barr, J. … &

Ely, W.E. (2019). Caring for critically ill patients with the ABCDEF bundle: Results of the ICU liberation collaborative in over 15,000 adults. Critical Care Medicine, 47(1), 3 – 14. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.00000000000003482

Qin, X., Yu, P., Li, H., Li, X., Wang, Q., Lin, L. & Tian, L. (2020). Integrating the “best”

evidence into nursing of venous thromboembolism in ICU patients using the i-PARIHS framework. PLOS One, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16264

Riekerk, B., Pen, E. J., Hofhuis, J. G. M., Rommes, J. H., Schultz, M. J., & Spronk, P. E.

(2009). Limitations and practicalities of CAM-ICU implementation, a delirium scoring system, in a Dutch intensive care unit. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing, 25(5), 242–249. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2009.04.001

Roberts, N.A., Janda, M., Stover, A.M., Alexander, K.E., Wyld, D. & Mudge, A. (2021).

The utility of the implementation science framework “Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services” (i-PARIHS) and the facilitator role for introducing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a medical oncology outpatient department. Quality of Life Research, 30, 3063 – 3071. DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-020-02669-1

Rowley-Conwy, G. (2018). Barriers to delirium assessment in the intensive care unit: A

literature review. Intensive & Critical Care Nursing, 44, 99–104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2017.09.001

Rycroft-Malone, J. (2004). The PARIHS framework – a framework for guiding the implementation of evidence-based practice. Journal of Nursing Care Quarterly, 19(4), 297-304.

Salluh, J.F., Wang, H., Schneider, E.B., Nagaraja, N., … & Stevens, R.D. (2015).

Outcome of delirium in critically ill patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 350(h2538). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.h2538

Sinvani, L., Delle Site, C., Laumenede, T., Patel, V., Ardito, S., Ilyas, A., … Thomas, L.

(2021). Improving delirium detection in intensive care units: Multicomponent education and training program. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69(11), 3249–3257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17419

Society of Critical Care Medicine. (2022). ICU liberation implementation framework.

Retrieved from: https://www.sccm.org/iculiberation

Sosnowski, K., Lin, F., Chaboyer, W., Ranse, K., Heffernan, A. & Mitchell, M. (2023).

The effect of the ABCDE/ABCDEF bundle on delirium, functional outcomes, and quality of life in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 138, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104410

Steffan, K.M., Holdsworth, L.M., Ford, M.A., Lee, G.M., Asch, S.M. & Proctor, E.K.

(2021). Implementation of clinical practice changes in the PICU: a qualitative study using and refining the iPARIHS framework. Implementation Science, 16(15), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-021-01080-9  

Tricco, A.C., Antony, J. Zarin, W., Strifler, L., Ghassemi, M., Ivory, J. … & Straus, S.E.

(2015). A scoping review of rapid review methods. BMC Medicine, 13(224). DOI: 10.1186/s12916-015-0465-6

Wang, J., Xiao, Q., Zhang, C., Jia, Y. & Shi, C. (2020). Intensive care unit nurses’

knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers regarding early mobilization of patients. Nursing in Critical Care, 25(6), DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12507

Weber, M.L., Byrd, C., Cape, K., McCarthy, C. & Exline, M. (2017). Implementation of

the ABCDEF bundle in an academic medical center. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management, 24(9), 417 – 422.

Wells, L. G. (2012). Why don’t intensive care nurses perform routine delirium

assessment? A discussion of the literature. Australian Critical Care : Official Journal of the Confederation of Australian Critical Care Nurses, 25(3), 157–161. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2012.03.002″ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2012.03.002

Winkelman, C. & Peereboom, K. (2010). Staff-perceived barriers and facilitators. Critical

Care Nurse, 30(2), S13 – S16.

PRISMA Scoping Review Flow Diagram

Figure 2

Publications per Year

Table 1

 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion CriteriaExclusion Criteria
Delirium Critical Care Adult Context, including ICU and ICU stepdown / High acuity unitsFacilitators of Delirium prevention or management Barriers of Delirium prevention or management Qualitative, quantitative, and quality improvement publicationsAll non-adult critical care settingsDelirium prevention and management practices not related to barriers or facilitators Dementia  

Table 2

Search Strategy

Search Strategy:             Databases Searched:             CINAHL             Medline – Ovid Terms searched:             MeSH:             Delirium             Emergence Delirium             CINAHL:             Delirium             ICU Psychosis             Keywords:             Barrier*             Facilitat* Critical care and/or Intensive Care and Delirium (89948)1 and Adult (78956)2 and Date range: 2000 to 2023 (25,889)3 and Full text (13,844)4 and Delirium (506)4 and/or 5 and Emergence Delirium (356)4 and/or 5 Delirium psychosis (298)6 and 7 and Barrier* and/or Faciliat* (178)

Table 3

Barriers and Facilitators of Implementing Delirium Practices

Patient-Level Factors BarriersFacilitators
Acuity levelMedical or hemodynamic instabilityStable vital signs / hemodynamicsDeclining vasoactive drug support
Presence of deliriumDelirious patients who are uncooperative, agitated, or disengaged and unable to participate or follow directionsCooperative / engaged patients who are able to follow instructions and participate in care.
Physical characteristicsDevices and equipment that impede mobilization and sleepPain ObesityMale sex
Clinician-Level FactorsBeliefsDelirium is perceived as a low priority Delirium is perceived as a benign and/or an inevitable part of critical illnessHigh level of perceived importance of early mobility 
Safety concernsDelirium prevention and management practices perceived as being unsafe to self or patient.Perceived risk of muskoskeletal injury to self or patient. 
Personal factorsLack of training or knowledge including being unable to recognize delirium Poor interpersonal communication skills among team members Low individual morale Lack of timeIncreased workloadGeneral stressConfidenceAutonomy Feeling supported or valued by colleagues.
Organizational-Level FactorsResourcesInsufficiently skilled staffing and availability of functional equipment. Difficult to use delirium screening tool or cumbersome protocol (too time consuming)Time constraints and workload burden Excessive staff turnoverSustained diverse educational and training effortsImplementation and maintenance of delirium bundle. 
CultureUnit or organizational culture is not supportive. No accountability for delirium practices.Engagement of key implementation leaders and team members that value delirium prevention.Incorporate delirium into daily rounds using a validated screening tool.
LeadershipPhysician disengagement Lack of awareness and value about delirium  Interdisciplinary team of delirium champions Strong leadership and prioritization of mobility by all staff

(Anekwe et al., 2019; Balas et al., 2013; Balas, 2019; Barber et al., 2015; Boehm et al., 2020; Brock et al., 2018; Brummel et al., 2013; Carrothers et al., 2013; Collinsworth et al., 2021; Costa et al., 2017; Dafoe et al., 2015; Davis & MacLullich, 2009; Devlin et al., 2008; Devlin et al., 2011; Dubb et al., 2016; Elliot, 2014; Fowler , 2019; Goddard et al., 2018; Law et al., 2012; Lin et al., 2020; Negro et al., 2022; Parker et al., 2021; Parry et al., 2017; Potter, Miller & Newman, 2021; Riekerk et al., 2009; Rowley-Conwy, 2018; Sinvani et al., 2021Weber et al., 2017, Wang et al., 2020; Weber et al., 2017Winkelman & Peereboom, 2010)

Supplemental Table

Literature Summary

Author and Publication DateCountrySettingParticipants (N)Participant TypeStudy Type / Methodology
Anekwe et al., 2019  CanadaUniversity-affiliated teaching hospital Intensive care units (ICU)138Physicians Physiotherapists Nurses Respiratory TherapistCross-sectional survey
Balas, 2019USACritical care units in rural and urban academic, community and federal hospitals Interdisciplinary teamsQuality Improvement
Balas, 2013USAAcademic medical centre ICU328Interprofessional ICU team membersProspective, before-after, mixed methods study
Barber et al., 2015  AustraliaQuaternary hospital ICU25Physician Nursing PhysiotherapyQualitative descriptive study
Boehm et al., 2020USAICU1661NursesCross-sectional study
Brock et al 2018AustraliaMixed medical, surgical, trauma ICU202PatientsProspective study
Brummel et al., 2013USA  Review of screening tools and expert opinionsQuality improvement
Carrothers et al 2013USAICU4 hospitalsPatientsPilot study
Collinsworth et al., 2021  USAICU84Nurses Physicians TherapistsMixed method (interview and survey)
Costa et al., 2017  USA   Systematic Review
Dafoe et al 2015AustraliaTertiary hospital ICU321Physicians Nurses PhysiotherapistQuality Improvement
Davis & MacLullich, 2009United KingdomAcute care hospitals including critical care units784Trainee physiciansQuestionnaire-based survey
Devlin et al., 2008  USA  Critical care units331NursesPaper/Web based survey
Devlin et al., 2011  USACritical care units250PharmacistsSurvey
Dubb et al., 2016USA 40 Data Synthesis
Elliott, 2014  United KingdomICU149Nurses Medical staffSurvey
Fowler, 2019USAICU NursesQuality Improvement
Goddard, S et al 2018CanadaICU40Nurses Physicians Respiratory therapists Occupational therapistsQualitative interview
Law et al., 2012  USAAcute care units providing critical care84NursesSurvey
Lin et al., 2020  AustraliaTertiary I82Nurses Physicians PhysiotherapistProspective questionnaire
Negro et al., 2022ItalyICU28Nurses PhysiciansSurvey
Panitchote et al., 2015ThailandICU102NursesObservational study
Parker et al., 2021USAMedical ICU23  NursesQualitative Quality Improvement
Parry et al 2017AustraliaICU26Nurses Physicians PhysiotherapistQualitative Interview study
Potter, Miller, & Newman, 2021USA 38 Integrative review
Riekerk et al., 2009NetherlandsUniversity affiliated hospital ICU Nurses Physicians ResidentsQuality Improvement
Rowley-Conwy, 2018United Kingdom   Literature review
Sinvani et al., 2021  USAICUs65NursesQuality Improvement
Wang et al., 2020ChinaICU227NursesDescriptive and cross-sectional design
Weber et al., 2017USAICU600Nurses PhysiciansQuality Improvement
Wells, 2012Australia   Literature review
Winkelman 2010USAICU33NursesDescriptive study

Return to Journals Journal

Find an Article

Includes all articles in the Canadian Jounral of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN).

View our Journals

Publish with Us

The CJCCN invites submissions on the following critical nursing topics: Clinical, Education, Management, Research and Professional Issues. Original articles on any aspect of critical care nursing are welcome.

Learn More

Recent Publications

Archive >

Become a Member

CACCN membership recieve complimentary Journal Subcription Access

Join Now Already a member? Sign In

Advertising Opportunities

Advertise with the CACCN. Vitrine promotionelle de l'ACIISI

Learn More