title: Nurses' knowledge and practices in cases of acute and chronic confusion: a questionnaire survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to describe nurses' knowledge and practices toward patients with acute or chronic confusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional design was used, and 249 nurses engaged in clinical practice fulfilled an online self-report questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Tools for diagnosing acute confusion/delirium are never used by 57.80% of the nurses. Between 80% and 81% of nursing interventions involve managing patients' physical environment and between 62% and 71% deal with managing communication. Theoretical training in the use of tools for assessing and intervening in cases of confusion was significantly associated with nurses' knowledge and practices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest the need for increased investment in nurses' training.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Department, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Francisco M C
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Sampaio
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sequeira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D011174:Portugal; D057566:Self Report
keywords: Confusion; delirium; dementia; knowledge, nurse