Multidisciplinary Perceptions of Delirium Management in Neurological Care: A Qualitative Study

Delirium is a common and serious condition among neurological patients, and the overlap between delirium symptoms and neurological disorders complicates both diagnosis and management. Despite its clinical impact, guidance for delirium management in neurological settings remains limited. This qualitative study aimed to investigate healthcare professionals’ perceptions of delirium management in a Danish neurological hospital setting. Focus group interviews were conducted with five multidisciplinary healthcare professional groups. Maximum variation sampling was used to capture diverse perspectives, and 24 healthcare professionals from the same neurological department participated. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (1) delirium care practices in an acute neurological setting; (2) multidisciplinary collaboration in delirium care; and (3) responsibility for delirium care. The findings highlight challenges related to prioritization, mono-professional practices, and organizational structures that shape how responsibility for delirium management is understood and enacted. Overall, the study illustrates the complexity of delirium management within multidisciplinary neurological teams and suggests the need for context-sensitive approaches that support collaboration and clarify responsibilities in clinical practice.