Construction of a postoperative delirium nursing care plan for patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection：A Delphi study

Abstract Aim To develop a plan for care of postoperative delirium in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection in the ward, and to provide reference for the prevention and care of postoperative delirium in such patients. Background Postoperative delirium is one of the common and serious postoperative complications in patients with type A aortic dissection. It can significantly affect surgical efficacy and postoperative recovery. However, there is currently lack of effective postoperative management programs. Design: This study adopted evidence-based nursing research and the Delphi expert consensus method. Methods: Through literature research, group discussions, and evidence-based nursing research, a plan for postoperative delirium care for patients with type A aortic dissection in the ward was formulated. The retrieval time is from establishment of the database to May 2022. The plan was modified through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation to form the final draft. Results After two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, the expert authority coefficient, concentration degree and degree of coordination of expert opinions, all showed good results. The content of the plan includes 5 primary components (delirium judgment, delirium risk stratification and related assessment, general management, management of patients with delirium, family caregiver support), 18 secondary components, and 47 tertiary components. Conclusion This protocol has good accuracy and operability, and provides a reliable basis for the management of postoperative delirium in patients with type A aortic dissection in the general wards. Implications for Nursing Management: This study can provide a reference for clinical nurses to implement in the management of postoperative delirium and provide a theoretical basis for perpetual improvement of postoperative nursing quality in cardiac surgery.