Delirium in the Acute Care Setting From the Families Perspective: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the existing literature on delirium within the acute care setting from the family members' perspective and summarise key findings.

Design

A scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Review Methods

The Population, Concept, and Context framework recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review protocol identified the main concepts in the primary review question. The inclusion criteria focused on primary research studies from any chronological date that explored the family members' experience of delirium within the acute care setting. Following screening by two independent reviewers, data extraction was conducted and presented in tabular form, detailing the study aim, sample, setting, methods, key findings and recommendations for future research and clinical practice.

Data Sources

A comprehensive search was conducted in January 2025 using CINAHL+, MEDLINE, JBI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. Citation searching and reference lists supplemented this review to identify relevant studies.

Results

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Families' experiences of delirium were categorised into (1) lack of awareness and understanding of delirium; (2) communication and informational needs of family members regarding delirium; (3) the emotional impact delirium has on family members, and (4) family desire to participate in their loved one's care.

Conclusion

This review highlighted a paucity of literature addressing the experiences of family members who witness delirium in the acute care setting. The existing research underscored the need for clear communication and information regarding delirium to mitigate the negative emotional impact that delirium places on families.

Impact

This scoping review provides insights into the challenges facing families witnessing delirium in the acute care setting. A better understanding of family members' experiences can guide the development of a supported family-centred approach to delirium care.

Patient Contribution

No patient/public contribution.