Abstract: Objective To conduct a meta-synthesis of the experience of family caregivers involved in delirium management in the intensive care unit,to provide reference for promoting family caregivers to participate in delirium management. Methods We searched databases including CNKI,Wanfang Data,CBM,PubMed,Web of Science,CINAHL,Embase,PsycINFO,and Cochrane Library to collect qualitative studies on the experience of family caregivers engaged in delirium management in the intensive care unit,the retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to April 2022. The quality of included studies were evaluated according to Australia JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for Qualitative Studies. The results were integrated by a meta-aggregative approach. Results A total of seven studies were included and 37 complete findings were grouped according to their similarities to classify seven new categories. These categories resulted into two synthesized findings-They were faced with many challenges and were eager to receive support;they were actively and effectively involved and affirmed their self-worth. Conclusion Health care workers should acknowledge the important value of family members of ICU patients in participating in delirium management,understand the feelings and needs during their involvement in delirium management,enhance communication,provide family members with delirium-related education,and ensure the effectiveness and comfort of family members' engagement.

Key words: Delirium, Intensive Care Units, Family Caregivers, Caring Experience, Qualitative Research, Meta-Synthesis