Impact of Delirium Onset and Duration on Mortality in Patients With Cancer Admitted to the ICU

The impact of multidisciplinary collaborative bundled care on analgesia and sedation in ICU patients with endotracheal intubation

BACKGROUND

Effective analgesia and sedation management play a crucial role in reducing the intensity of coughing in patients with endotracheal intubation and improving clinical outcomes. However, current approaches are predominantly singular and lack comprehensive management strategies based on multidisciplinary collaboration. This study aims to evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary collaborative bundled care on analgesia and sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with endotracheal intubation, providing evidence to inform clinical practice.

METHODS

Seventy ICU patients were enrolled with endotracheal intubation, admitted between January and August 2024. They were divided into a control group (n = 35) receiving routine care (admitted from January to April) and an intervention group (n = 35) receiving multidisciplinary collaborative bundled care (admitted from May to August). Outcomes measured included physical restraint use, analgesic dosage, cough strength, delirium incidence, and duration of mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

The intervention group had significantly lower doses of remifentanil (8.37 ± 1.50 mg) and midazolam (21.43 ± 3.74 mg) compared to the control group (9.92 ± 1.58 and 31.12 ± 7.89 mg; P < .05). The incidence of delirium was also lower in the intervention group (11.4%) than in the control group (31.4%; P < .05). Delirium onset was delayed in the intervention group (3.02 ± 1.05 days) compared to the control group (2.58 ± 0.79 days), and its duration was shorter (3.43 ± 1.74 vs 5.12 ± 1.89 days; P < .05). Additionally, physical restraints were significantly lower in the intervention group (22.9% vs 45.7%; P < .05). Cough strength was notably higher in the intervention group (4.74 ± 0.82 vs 3.36 ± 0.76; P < .05), and the duration of mechanical ventilation was reduced (4.77 ± 1.42 vs 5.92 ± 1.66 days; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary collaborative bundled care improves sedation and analgesia outcomes in ICU patients with endotracheal intubation, reducing medication dosage, incidence of delirium, physical restraint use, and duration of mechanical ventilation while enhancing cough strength.

A qualitative study of geriatric specialist nurses' experiences to navigate delirium in the elderly

BACKGROUND

The experiences and perceptions of geriatric specialist nurses are pivotal to understanding the complexities of managing delirium and to developing effective nursing interventions. This qualitative study aims to explore these experiences and perceptions to inform the enhancement of clinical geriatric nursing and care practices.

METHODS

Utilizing a qualitative exploratory design, this research engaged a convenience sample of geriatric specialist nurses at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Data were rigorously analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, which facilitated the identification of themes that emerged from the narratives of the geriatric specialist nurses.

RESULTS

The thematic analysis yielded three major themes that encapsulate the nurses' experiences and perceptions. Theme 1: Understanding of Delirium, highlighted the nurses' awareness of the condition's significance, yet it was often deprioritized due to the pressing demands of managing more acute and immediately life-threatening conditions. Theme 2: Barriers in Application, brought to light the multifaceted challenges faced by nurses, including language barriers, the frequency and consistency of delirium assessments, the social determinants of health, and the nurses' own competencies in assessment. Theme 3: Evolution of Nursing Approaches, detailed the adaptive strategies employed by nurses, such as managing nursing adverse events, improving communication with patients' families, and adopting a proactive stance towards long-term patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that while geriatric specialist nurses recognize the importance of delirium assessment, there are several barriers to effective application. The study underscores the imperative for the advancement of more refined delirium assessment and care protocols, tailored to address the unique requirements of geriatric nursing care.