The Effect of Scenario-Based Learning on the Performance of Nurses Regarding Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Units: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND: Delirium is one of the most common complications of cardiac surgery, and only a small percentage of nurses are able to diagnose and manage it. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) on the performance of nurses in the management of delirium in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units (CICUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental research with a pretest-post-test design was conducted on 36 nurses of the cardiac surgery ICUs of Isfahan′s therapeutic-educational center from October 2019 to January 2020. The SBL↱ was held in the form of a 2-day workshop. The study data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, researcher-made knowledge questionnaire, and performance checklist. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (repeated measures one-way analysis of variance ANOVA and Fisher′s Least Significant Difference (LSD post hoc test). RESULTS: The mean score of performance of nurses differed significantly different between the three study stages (before the intervention, immediately, and 3 weeks after the intervention) (F(2,30) = 139.41; p < 0.001). LSD post hoc test showed that the mean score of performance was significantly higher immediately after the training program compared to before the intervention and 3 weeks after the SBL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that SBL↱ improved the delirium care performance levels of nurses in the cardiac surgery ICU. Thus, it is recommended that SBL be used as a method for training nurses.