Uundværlig udenforstående – pårørendes oplevelser med deliriumhåndtering

Background: Clinical practice in preventing and managing delirium, including family involvement, is heterogenous. Relatives’ experiences with the management of delirium during and after hospitalisation have not been thoroughly explored.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate relatives’ perspectives and lived experiences with delirium management during and after hospitalisation.
Method: Semi-structured interviews with five relatives of patients hospitalised with delirium. Qualitative content analysis was performed according to Lyhne and Bjerrum.
Findings: Six themes emerged from the analysis: 1. Emotional Chaos, 2. Need for Early Information, Support and Guidance, 3. Helper and Protector, 4. Home Again – but Still Delirious, 5. The Network Steps In, and 6. Shielding for Better or Worse.
Conclusion: Relatives experience significant emotional impact when confronted with delirium and take on substantial responsibilities that they might feel unprepared for. There is a need for support, information and guidance as delirium continues after discharge. Further exploration of relatives’ perspectives is needed.