Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00448

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Improving delirium knowledge and recognition confidence in nursing homes through an e-learning program: a pre-post study.

Molitor, V. ; Seiters, J. C. ; Hoch, J. ; Thürmann, P. ; Holle, B.DZNE* ; Vollmar, H. C. ; Palm, R.

2026
BioMed Central London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1186/s12909-026-09297-2

Abstract: Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with serious complications. Residents of nursing homes are particularly vulnerable to developing delirium. Nurses play a key role in the prevention, detection, and management of delirium but often report a lack of specific knowledge and understanding. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a tailored e-learning programme on delirium for nurses working in German nursing homes.This pilot study employed a single-group pre-post design. Between January and March 2025, nurses from German nursing homes completed a delirium-specific e-learning program consisting of five modules on risk factors, causes, prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Participants completed a delirium knowledge questionnaire and rated their confidence in recognizing delirium before and after training. Evaluation questions assessed usability and relevance.A total of 80 nurses completed the e-learning program as well as the pre- and posttests. Delirium-specific knowledge improved from a median of 32 to 40 correct answers (interquartile range [IQR] = 9.25 vs. 7.5; p < 0.001). Subjective confidence in recognizing delirium increased from 5 to 7 (IQR = 2.25 vs. 1; p < 0.001) on a 10-point scale. Both improvements showed large effect sizes (knowledge: r = 0.86; subjective confidence: r = 0.92). Most nurses rated the training as highly relevant and usable.Residents of nursing homes are at increased risk of delirium, while nursing staff report a clear need for delirium-specific expertise. Findings from this pilot study suggest that the tailored e-learning program may enhance nurses’ knowledge and confidence in recognizing delirium. The program represents a promising foundation for structured delirium training in nursing homes and warrants further evaluation in larger and long-term studies.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-026-09297-2.

Keyword(s): Computer-assisted instruction ; Delirium ; Education, distance ; Geriatric nursing ; Long-term care ; Nurses ; Nursing homes

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Care Structures (AG Holle)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

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