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Table 2 Proportion of Correct Answers on the Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire in Healthcare Workers in the Pretest and Posttest Phase (n = 59)

From: The effect of an interactive delirium e-learning tool on healthcare workers’ delirium recognition, knowledge and strain in caring for delirious patients: a pilot pre-test/post-test study

Items

Pretest phase (n = 59)

Posttest phase (n = 59)

Items related to knowledge about the presentation, symptoms and outcomes of delirium, n correct (%)

  

1. Fluctuation between orientation and disorientation is a typical feature of delirium

40 (67.8)

46 (78)

2. Symptoms of depression may mimic delirium

47 (79.7)

54 (91.5)

3. Patients never remember episodes of delirium

41 (69.5)

52 (88.1)

4. Delirium never lasts for more than a few hours

53 (89.8)

57 (96.6)

5. A patient who is lethargic and difficult to rouse does certainly not have a delirium

51 (86.4)

55 (93.2)

6. Patients with delirium are always physically and/or verbally aggressive

49 (83.1)

55 (93.2)

7. Patients with delirium have a higher mortality rate

35 (59.3)

50 (84.7)

8. Behavioral changes in the course of the day are typical of delirium

48 (81.4)

55 (93.2)

9. A patient with delirium is likely to be easily distracted and/or have difficulty following a conversation

53 (89.8)

58 (98.3)

10. Patients with delirium will often experience perceptual disturbances (e.g., visual and/or auditory hallucinations)

58 (98.3)

59 (100)

Items related to knowledge about causes and risk factors of delirium

  

11. A patient admitted with pneumonia and having diabetes, visual and auditory disturbances has the same risk for delirium as a patient admitted with pneumonia without co-morbidities

31 (52.5)

44 (74.6)

12. The risk for delirium increases with age

47 (79.7)

51 (86.4)

13. A patient with impaired vision is at increased risk of delirium

36 (61.0)

55 (93.2)

14. The greater the number of medications a patient is taking, the greater their risk of delirium

31 (52.5)

41 (69.5)

15. A urinary catheter reduces the risk of delirium

49 (83.1)

49 (83.1)

16. Poor nutrition increases the risk of delirium

48 (81.4)

59 (100)

17. Dementia is an important risk factor for delirium

45 (76.3)

48 (81.4)

18. Diabetes is an important risk factor for delirium

37 (62.7)

21 (35.6)

19. Dehydration can be a risk factor for delirium

56 (94.9)

59 (100)

20. Delirium is generally caused by alcohol withdrawal

56 (94.9)

56 (94.9)

21. A family history of dementia predisposes a patient to delirium

44 (74.6)

47 (81.0)

Items related to knowledge about delirium prevention and management strategies

  

22. Treatment of delirium always includes sedation

49 (83.1)

54 (91.5)

23. Daily use of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the best way for diagnosing delirium

36 (61.0)

35 (59.3)

24. Providing as much staff as possible to take care at the patients’ bedside is an important strategy in the prevention of delirium

59 (100)

59 (100)

25. The use of physical restraints in patients at risk for delirium is the best way to ensure their safety

53 (59.8)

56 (94.9)

26. Encouraging patients to (correctly) wear their visual/hearing aids is necessary to prevent delirium

46 (78.0)

59 (100)

27. Adequate hydration is an important strategy in the prevention of delirium

55 (93.2)

59 (100)

28. The maintenance of a normal sleep-wake cycle (e.g., avoidance of sleep interruption) is an important strategy in the prevention of delirium

55 (93.2)

58 (98.3)

29. The use of haloperidol in preoperative surgical fracture patients is a way to prevent delirium

54 (91.5)

51 (86.4)

30. The stimulation of patients to perform different activities at the same time is a way to prevent delirium

59 (100)

58 (98.3)

31. Keeping instructions for patients as simple as possible is important in the prevention of delirium

50 (84.7)

52 (88.1)

32. Early activation/ambulation (e.g., getting patients out of bed as soon as possible) of patients is an important strategy in the prevention of delirium

40 (67.8)

55 (93.2)

33. Providing patients with familiar objects (e.g., photos, clock, newspaper) is important to prevent sensory deprivation

48 (81.4)

55 (93.2)

34. Avoid eye contact in the prevention of delirium because it can be seen as a threat

59 (100)

57 (96.6)

35. Keeping oral contact with the patient is an important strategy in the prevention of delirium

46 (78)

53 (89.8)