The Effect of Scenario Based Learning on the Performance of Nurses Regarding Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Units: A Quasi Experimental Study

Delirium is one of the most common complications of cardiac surgery, and only a small percentage of nurses are able to diagnose and manage it. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Scenario‑Based Learning (SBL) on the performance of nurses in the management of delirium in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units (CICUs).

A quasi‑experimental research with a pretest‑post‑test design was conducted on 36 nurses of the cardiac surgery ICUs of Isfahan′s therapeutic‑educational center from October 2019 to January 2020. The SBL was held in the form of a 2‑day workshop. The study data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, researcher‑made knowledge questionnaire, and performance checklist. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (repeated measures one‑way analysis of variance ANOVA and Fisher′s Least Significant Difference (LSD post hoc test).

The mean score of performance of nurses differed significantly different between the three study stages (before the intervention, immediately, and 3 weeks after the intervention) (F2,30 </sub>= 139.41; p </em>< 0.001). LSD post hoc test showed that the mean score of performance was significantly higher immediately after the training program compared to before the intervention and 3 weeks after the SBL (p </em>< 0.001).

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that SBL improved the delirium care performance levels of nurses in the cardiac surgery ICU. Thus, it is recommended that SBL be used as a method for training nurses.