Äldre patienters upplevelser av delirium i samband med sjukhusvistelse
Background: Delirium is a common condition among elderly patients who are being treated in a hospital environment. However, a large number of patients are wrongly diagnosed. The highest risk categories to develop delirium are elderly people and postoperative patients. By understanding the patients´ experiences the nurse can formulate the care to make it easier for the patient. Aim: The aim of the literature review was to illuminate elderly patients´ experiences of delirium in connection with a hospital visit. Method: The method was a general literature review based on eight scientific articles. Result: Three categories emerged as the result. These were experiences of a borderline between dream and reality; experiences of discomfort, threat and escape; and experiences of happiness and pleasure. Conclusion: To be able to give the patient good care the nurse need to become aware of the patients´ experiences. By using the studies that have been performed around experiences of delirium, understanding and attitude towards the patients´ behaviour will improve. A possible way to improve the care of patients with delirium could be to let patients tell how they experienced the nurses? treatment during the delirium episode and how their treatment could be improved.