Nonpharmacological interventions to prevent delirium: an evidence-based systematic review

Delirium Care by Intensive Care Unit Nurses: Focus Group Studies in a Medical Center of Southern Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

Studies have identified many nursing interventions that can prevent delirium and fall accidents in clinical patients, detect and treat delirium early to prevent functional decline in the patient, shorten hospitalization duration, and lower the death rate. This study aimed to explore delirium care by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in a medical center of southern Taiwan.

METHODS

This study conducted 3 semistructured focus group interviews, each for a single medical ICU, involving groups of 6 to 8 nurses each. The nurses were recruited through purposive sampling. This research was approved by an institutional review board in the medical center of southern Taiwan from March 31, 2020, to January 30, 2021. The co-principal investigator described the purpose and process of this study to the participants before they provided their written informed consents. The interviews were conducted in the meeting room and were audiotape recorded. The recordings were transcribed and subject to content analysis to identify the themes of delirium care.

RESULTS

For nursing interventions of delirium, satisfying the patient's physical needs: comfort care, massages, and early rehabilitation; and psychological care: being presence, communication, and ensuring familial support were included. In terms of environmental interventions for delirium, providing reorientation, music, light, belongings with sentimental value, and audiovisual equipment were included. However, according to the recruited medical ICU nurses, these nonpharmacological interventions, although effective, do not have long-lasting effects. Finally, nurses reported themselves as having been attacked by patients with delirium. Thus, they all agreed that restraining patients with delirium may be necessary, but restraining is a double-edged sword for ICU delirium patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Research team suggests for future studies to extend their evidence-based findings of physical, psychological, and environmental care for ICU delirium patients toward integrating the efforts of various health care professionals.

Occupational therapist-guided cognitive interventions in critically ill patients: a feasibility randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Intensive care unit (ICU) delirium is a common complication of critical illness requiring a multimodal approach to management. We assessed the feasibility of a novel occupational therapist (OT)-guided cognitive intervention protocol, titrated according to sedation level, in critically ill patients.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 18 yr admitted to a medical/surgical ICU were randomized to the standard delirium prevention protocol or to the OT-guided cognitive intervention protocol in addition to standard of care. The target enrolment number was N = 112. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study enrolment period was truncated. The primary outcome was feasibility of the intervention as measured by the proportion of eligible cognitive interventions delivered by the OT. Secondary outcomes included feasibility of goal session length (20 min), participant clinical outcomes (delirium prevalence and duration, cognitive status, functional status, quality of life, and ICU length of stay), and a description of methodological challenges and solutions for future research.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were enrolled and 69 patients were included in the final analysis. The majority of OT-guided sessions (110/137; 80%) were completed. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) number of sessions per patient was 4.1 (3.8). The goal session length was achieved (mean [SD], 19.8 [3.1] min), with few sessions (8/110; 7%) terminated early per patient request.

CONCLUSION

This novel OT-guided cognitive intervention protocol is feasible in medical/surgical ICU patients. A larger randomized controlled trial is required to determine the impact of such a protocol on delirium prevalence or duration.

STUDY REGISTRATION

www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT03604809); registered 18 June 2018.

Family experiences and attitudes toward care of ICU patients with delirium: A scoping review

Introduction

The family has an important role in the care of the ICU patient. Research shows that the implementation of non-pharmacological interventions to prevent delirium, including interventions with the family, can reduce the incidence of delirium. The aim of this review was to search the available literature about the experiences and attitudes of family/carers of ICU patients diagnosed with delirium during hospitalization.

Methods

A scoping review method was used to map terms relevant to the involvement of relatives in the care of critically ill patients with delirium. To identify studies, the following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The database search was ongoing from 15 July 2022, with a final search on 4 August 2022.

Results

Thirteen articles reporting on the experiences and attitudes of family/carers of ICU patients who developed delirium during hospitalization were included in the scoping review. Of the included studies, eight were qualitative studies, three were quantitative studies and two were reviews (systematic review and integrative review). The studies were conducted in North America, Europe, South Africa, and Asia. Our findings show that carers experienced adverse effects associated with delirium in ICU patients such as stress, anxiety, embarrassment, uncertainty, anger, shock. Families/relatives need both emotional and informational support from medical staff.

Conclusion

Relatives want to be involved in the care of the delirium patient, although this needs improvement in some aspects of care such as: lack of awareness, family/relatives knowledge of delirium, improved education, and communication with medical staff. Recognition of delirium by families is acceptable and feasible. Family involvement may induce an increased anxiety, but this aspect needs further research.

Exploring perceptions regarding family-based delirium management in the intensive care unit

Background

Delirium is a common complication in patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Family members can help alleviate patient anxiety and may be able to aid in the management of delirium. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of former ICU patients and their families together, regarding the involvement of family in delirium management.

Method

Nine audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews took place with former ICU patients together with a family member. Participants were interviewed after their intensive care follow-up clinic appointment in an East Midlands hospital in England. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: 'understanding about delirium'; 'influencers of delirium management: family and healthcare professionals' and 'family-based delirium care'. Participants expressed that family have a valuable role to play in the management of delirium in the ICU. However, education and guidance is needed to support the family in how delirium can be managed and the current treatment options available. It is important for ICU staff to gain an understanding of the patient's life and personality to personalise delirium management to the needs of the patient and their family.

Conclusion

This study found that family presence and knowledge about the patient may be beneficial to delirium management in the ICU. Further research should investigate the effectiveness of the strategies and interventions to understand their influence on delirium management in ICU patients.

Impacting Outcomes in the Hospitalized Oncology Patient: Evidence-Informed Quality and Safety Project to Implement Routine Screening for Delirium

Background: Delirium can occur in cancer patients during an acute hospitalization or in the terminal stages of cancer. Iatrogenic delirium can complicate hospital stays for over 2.6 million older persons by increasing fall risk, restraint use, length of stay, postacute placement, and costs. The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement project was to implement routine screening for delirium with a consistent instrument and adopt an interprofessional plan of care for delirium. Methods: This project was identified as an interprofessional improvement initiative. The project leader identified a deficiency in the screening for delirium, convened stakeholders, evaluated evidence, reviewed screening instruments, and developed a plan of care for delirium management. Practice changes incorporated routine delirium screening across the inpatient units. A delirium interprofessional plan of care was integrated into the electronic health record for ease of adoption and workflow modification. Results: Routine screening for delirium and early interprofessional interventions reduced length of stay by 2.27 days for patients screening positive for delirium. The percentage of inpatient falls that were linked to an episode of delirium during hospitalization reduced from 23.4% to 17%. Discussions: Routine screening and targeted interventions are a first step in prevention and identification of those inpatients at risk of developing delirium. Delirium prevention is the goal for potential associated iatrogenic conditions.

Non-Pharmacological Nursing Interventions to Prevent Delirium in ICU Patients-An Umbrella Review with Implications for Evidence-Based Practice

Delirium in ICU patients is a complication associated with many adverse consequences. Given the high prevalence of this complication in critically ill patients, it is essential to develop and implement an effective management protocol to prevent delirium. Given that the cause of delirium is multifactorial, non-pharmacological multicomponent interventions are promising strategies for delirium prevention. (1) Background: To identify and evaluate published systematic review on non-pharmacological nursing interventions to prevent delirium in intensive care unit patients. (2) Methods: An umbrella review guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute was utilized. Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The last search was conducted on 1 May 2022. (3) Results: Fourteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. Multicomponent interventions are the most promising methods in the fight against delirium. The patient's family is an important part of the process and should be included in the delirium prevention scheme. Light therapy can improve the patient's circadian rhythm and thus contribute to reducing the incidence of delirium. (4) Conclusions: Non-pharmacological nursing interventions may be effective in preventing and reducing the duration of delirium in ICU patients.

[The nurse's role in preventing delirium in critically ill adult/elderly patientsEl papel de la enfermera en la prevención del delirio en el paciente adulto/anciano críticamente enfermo]

Introduction

Delirium is an acute brain dysfunction, associated with increased mortality and morbidity, which often affects critically ill adult/elderly patients. Nurses have a crucial role in the prevention/control of delirium, through the implementation of non-pharmacological interventions.

Objective

To know the nursing interventions in the identification, prevention and control of delirium in adult/critical elderly patients.

Materials and Methods

An Integrative Literature Review of articles published between 2014 and 2018 was carried out, which identified nursing interventions aimed at the prevention and control of delirium in adult/ critical elderly patients. Four searches were carried out, in the electronic databases of EBSCOhost and B-on.

Results

13 studies were identified, which present nursing interventions, mostly non-pharmacological, for the prevention and control of delirium in adult/critical elderly patients. Of these, interventions related to the environment, sleep promotion, early therapeutic intervention, cognitive assessment and patient orientation, interventions systematized in protocols, as well as interventions aimed at the participation of family members, the training of nurses and the teaching of patients are evident. Risk factors for the development of delirium and assessment tools were also identified.

Discussion

The prevention of delirium is important and imperative, since its occurrence in critically ill patients is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, length of stay and a high hospital cost. The identification of risk factors for the occurrence of delirium should be included in delirium management protocols.

Conclusions

Evidence has shown that nurses are essential in the early identification, prevention and control of delirium, preventing the progression of the disease, contributing to the reduction of morbidity and mortality. The nursing intervention must include the identification of predisposing and/or precipitating factors to contribute to the reduction of the occurrence and/or resolution of delirium.

Nurse-Driven Assessment, Prevention, and Management of Delirium on an Acute Inpatient Neurology Unit

BACKGROUND

Delirium commonly affects hospitalized patients and is associated with increased hospital length of stay, discharge to skilled care, cost, morbidity, and mortality.

LOCAL PROBLEM

At our organization, there was no formal delirium assessment performed by the nursing staff outside of the intensive care unit.

METHODS

Assessment of nurses' knowledge about delirium, a nurse-driven delirium screening protocol, and patient education were implemented on an adult inpatient neurology unit. Knowledge change, protocol implementation, and patient-level outcomes were assessed.

INTERVENTIONS

Staff nurse delirium education and a nurse-driven delirium screening protocol were implemented.

RESULTS

No change in nursing knowledge occurred pre/postintervention. Falls, falls with injury, and restraint and sitter usage decreased. Changes in length of stay varied over the intervention period. The trend to discharge to home increased, while the trend to discharge to skilled nursing care decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Formal delirium screening protocols may add organizational value by positively impacting patient outcomes.

[Delirium prevention and management: Development and implementation of a non-pharmacological catalog of measures in the acute setting]

Delirium prevention and management: Development and implementation of a non-pharmacological catalog of measures in the acute setting Abstract. Background: In October 2018, a new delirium management concept was developed in a university hospital for cardiovascular diseases. As part of a multi-professional approach, the previously established "Evidence-based Nursing working group (AK EBN)", consisting of academically qualified nurses from the hospital, was involved in the implementation process. Aim: The AK EBN aimed to identify effective non-pharmacological interventions to prevent and treat delirium and to establish how these interventions could influence delirium rates in hospital patients. Methods: The EbN method was employed to address the study question applying the PICO framework (Behrens & Langer, 2016) as the bases for systematic searches in different databases. Relevant studies were identified, data were extracted, displayed in tables and discussed within the AK using established critical appraisal tools for quality assessment. Results: Despite a heterogeneous study sample, results showed that there is meaningful evidence for the effectiveness of intervention bundles on the reduction of delirium rates. Bundles include for example, aspects of orientation and noise reduction. As a result, a catalogue of non-pharmacological interventions, communication aids, and a guide for involving caregivers in the prevention and treatment of delirium were developed. Additionally, continuing training events held by the participants of AK EBN were organized. Conclusions: To promote the successful implementation of projects in practice, the involvement of all stakeholders is important. As part of a skill-grade-mix, nurses made an important contribution in this multi-professional project.

Effect on Quality of Care of a Delirium Prevention Campaign for Surgical Intensive Care Nurses

BACKGROUND

Delirium is an important issue related to mortality in patients treated in intensive care units.

LOCAL PROBLEM

Although there are guidelines for preventing delirium, its importance may be overlooked compared with the treatment of physical illness.

METHODS

A 2-step delirium prevention campaign (DPC) was implemented and its effects compared (before and after the DPC).

INTERVENTIONS

The DPC comprised the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit and a checklist for delirium prevention.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality declined after the DPC, but there were no significant changes in the incidence and duration of delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses led the delirium preventive care intervention. Delirium prevention care may be more effective with policy approaches to progress the DPC.

How We Prevent and Treat Delirium in the ICU

Delirium is a serious and complex problem facing critically ill patients, their families, and the health care system. When delirium develops, it is associated with prolonged hospital stays, increased costs, and long-term cognitive impairment in many patients. This article uses a clinical case to discuss our approach to delirium prevention and treatment in the ICU. We believe that an effective strategy to combat delirium requires implementation and adherence to a pain and sedation protocol as part of bundled care, use of a validated tool to detect delirium when present, and a focus on nonpharmacologic care strategies, including reorientation, early mobility, and incorporating family into care when possible. At present, the evidence does not support the routine administration of medications to prevent or treat delirium. A pharmacologic approach may be needed for agitated delirium, and we discuss our evaluation of the evidence for and against particular medications. Although delirium can be a distressing problem, there is evidence that it can be addressed through careful attention to prevention, detection, and minimizing the long-term impact on patients and their families.

Improving Pediatric Delirium Assessment Documentation and Implementation of a Nonpharmacologic Delirium Management Bundle in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Pediatric delirium is common, associated with negative patient outcomes, and infrequently assessed in the ICU. Locally, pediatric delirium assessments in the cardiac PICU were infrequently documented resulting in an initiative to increase assessment documentation and implement a nurse-driven management protocol, the Bundle to Eliminate Delirium (BED).

METHODS

This was a nurse-driven, quality improvement project in an eleven-bed cardiac PICU at a large academic health care facility. A pre- and postimplementation survey evaluating delirium management perceptions, knowledge, and assessment barriers was emailed to 113 nurses. Nurses received education about general delirium principles and assessment followed by weekly emails that included delirium assessment documentation rates and targeted education. Subsequently, BED education was provided via email followed by BED implementation, inclusion of BED completion rates in weekly emails, and observational audits of BED implementation.

FINDINGS

1522 delirium assessment opportunities were evaluated. Assessment documentation increased by 33%. Nurses reported greater confidence in their ability to manage delirium (P < .05 for numerous aspects of delirium care) and were less likely to report 'positive delirium assessments not acted upon' as a barrier to delirium assessment. BED implementation was inconsistent.

DISCUSSION

Nursing education and feedback can increase delirium assessment rates and confidence in management but the impact of BED on these outcomes is not clear.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

Improvement in pediatric delirium care may be obtained through a nurse-driven quality improvement project but an interprofessional approach is needed for optimal management. More studies are needed to identify effective pediatric delirium management strategies such as the BED.

Overview and Strategy Analysis of Technology-Based Nonpharmacological Interventions for In-Hospital Delirium Prevention and Reduction: Systematic Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Delirium prevention is crucial, especially in critically ill patients. Nonpharmacological multicomponent interventions for preventing delirium are increasingly recommended and technology-based interventions have been developed to support them. Despite the increasing number and diversity in technology-based interventions, there has been no systematic effort to create an overview of these interventions for in-hospital delirium prevention and reduction.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic scoping review was carried out to answer the following questions: (1) what are the technologies currently used in nonpharmacological technology-based interventions for preventing and reducing delirium? and (2) what are the strategies underlying these currently used technologies?

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in Scopus and Embase between 2015 and 2020. A selection was made in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Studies were eligible if they contained any type of technology-based interventions and assessed delirium-/risk factor-related outcome measures in a hospital setting. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using a predesigned data form.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies were included and analyzed focusing on the types of technology and the strategies used in the interventions. Our review revealed 8 different technology types and 14 strategies that were categorized into the following 7 pathways: (1) restore circadian rhythm, (2) activate the body, (3) activate the mind, (4) induce relaxation, (5) provide a sense of security, (6) provide a sense of control, and (7) provide a sense of being connected. For all technology types, significant positive effects were found on either or both direct and indirect delirium outcomes. Several similarities were found across effective interventions: using a multicomponent approach or including components comforting the psychological needs of patients (eg, familiarity, distraction, soothing elements).

CONCLUSIONS

Technology-based interventions have a high potential when multidimensional needs of patients (eg, physical, cognitive, emotional) are incorporated. The 7 pathways pinpoint starting points for building more effective technology-based interventions. Opportunities were discussed for transforming the intensive care unit into a healing environment as a powerful tool to prevent delirium.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020175874; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=175874.

Delirium in adult patients in intensive care: nursing interventions

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome of high incidence in the critically ill patient. It is characterised by changes in acute attention and cognition, has a multifactorial aetiology and has a negative impact on the patient's clinical situation and future quality of life. Prevention of delirium and early identification can reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Consequently, it is vital that intensive care unit (ICU) nurses perform targeted patient monitoring to identify acute cognitive changes.

OBJECTIVE

To identify nursing interventions directed at the prevention and management of delirium in adult patients in ICU.

METHOD

A scoping review was undertaken based on the principles recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

RESULTS

Seven studies were selected for inclusion. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological nursing interventions were identified.

CONCLUSION

The interventions identified were predominantly aimed at the prevention of delirium. The training of nurses and wider clinical team in preventing and identifying this syndrome is crucial.

Intensive Care Unit Environment and Sleep

Patients undergoing treatment in intensive care unit are in an extremely vulnerable state and require a complex multidisciplinary approach. Adequate sleep is required to maintain physiologic functions of the human body. Good sleep quality plays a vital role in the process of recovery. Sleep disruption in intensive care settings is a well-known fact. The consequences of sleep deprivation can cause numerous complications including delayed mechanical ventilation wean, neurocognitive dysfunction, decreased immune function and increased mortality rates. This review describes how the intensive care unit environment impacts sleep architecture.

Prevalence of high-risk medications in patients enrolled in the Hospital Elder Life Program

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of newly prescribed antipsychotic/benzodiazepine medication, as well as 30-day readmissions, among Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)-enrolled patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

HELP intervention took place in eight hospital units. The standard care group was selected from eight additional hospital units.

PARTICIPANTS

Hospitalized patients, aged 65 years and older, enrolled in HELP during between January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 were included in the HELP cohort. Patients hospitalized in eight additional units during the same time frame were part of the standard care group.

MEASUREMENTS

Antipsychotic/benzodiazepine medications were pulled from the electronic health record. History of chronic mental illnesses were classified by ICD10 codes. Basic descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient characteristics and comorbidities. Chi-squared and t-tests were performed to detect statistical differences as appropriate.

RESULTS

There were 1411 patients in the HELP group and 10,807 patients in the standard care group. The HELP group was likely to be older, female and to have a shorten length of stay (all p ≤ 0.02). Our study demonstrated that approximately 8.9% (n = 125) of patients enrolled in HELP received an order for antipsychotics during their hospital admission, while 31.5% (n = 3400) from the standard care group (p < 0.001). The difference in benzodiazepine prescription in patients enrolled in HELP was also less when comparing the two groups (22.8% HELP vs 25.6% standard care; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients enrolled in the HELP group were less likely to receive a prescription for antipsychotics or benzodiazepines. The majority of patients enrolled in HELP were discharged to a more independent environment (home or assisted living) and there was a relatively low 30-day readmission rate among HELP patients.

Rapid Fire: Acute Brain Failure in Older Emergency Department Patients

Delirium is common in older emergency department (ED) patients. Although associated with significant morbidity and mortality, it often goes unrecognized. A consistent approach to evaluation of mental status, including use of validated tools, is key to diagnosing delirium. Identification of the precipitating event requires thorough evaluation, including detailed history, medication reconciliation, physical examination, and medical work-up, for causes of delirium. Management is aimed at identifying and treating the underlying cause. Meaningful improvements in delirium care can be achieved when prevention, identification, and management of older delirious ED patients is integrated by physicians and corresponding frameworks implemented at the health system level.

Multicomponent, nonpharmacological delirium interventions for older inpatients : A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Older people represent a risk group for acquiring or further development of delirium during hospitalization, therefore requiring suitable nonpharmacological delirium interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review analyzed nonpharmacological intervention programs for older inpatients with or without cognitive decline on regular or acute geriatric wards to present the range of interventions.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using scientific databases. A total of 4652 records were screened by two independent reviewers, leaving 81 eligible articles for full-text screening and 25 studies were finally included. Inclusion criteria were older patients ≥65 years in regular or acute geriatric wards and nonpharmacological multicomponent interventions.

RESULTS

More than a half of the included studies (14, 56%) recruited patients with pre-existing cognitive decline as part of the study population and 12% focused exclusively on patients with cognitive decline. On average 11 intervention components were integrated in the programs and two programs included full coverage of all 18 identified components.

CONCLUSION

Only few programs were described for older inpatients and even fewer regarding pre-existing cognitive decline. The low numbers of interventions and data heterogeneity restricted the assessment of outcomes; however, delirium incidence, as reported by two thirds of the studies was reduced by nonpharmacological multicomponent interventions.

Preventing Delirium Takes a Village: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Delirium Preventive Models of Care

BACKGROUND

Each hospital day of delirium incurs greater healthcare costs, higher levels of care, greater staff burden, and higher complication rates. Accordingly, administrators are incentivized to identify models of care that reduce delirium rates and associated costs.

PURPOSE

We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of delirium prevention models of care.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, and PsycINFO.

STUDY SELECTION

Eligible models of care were defined as provider-oriented interventions involving revision of professional roles, multidisciplinary teams, and service integration. Included studies implemented multidomain, multicomponent interventions, used a validated delirium instrument, and enrolled a control group to evaluate efficacy or effectiveness.

DATA EXTRACTION

We extracted data on study design; Population, model of care, outcomes, and results.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 15 studies were included. All but two studies reported reduction in delirium or its duration, and 11 studies reported statistically significant improvements. Using random effects models, the pooled odds ratios of delirium incidence were 0.56 (95% CI: 0.37-0.85) from three randomized controlled trials, 0.63 (95% CI 0.37-1.07) from four pre-post intervention studies, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.46-1.37) from three additional nonrandomized studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Several models of care can prevent delirium. In general, higher quality studies were more likely to demonstrate statistical significance of an effect. The diverse models of care included here explored interventions adapted to specific care settings, especially by addressing setting-specific delirium risk factors. These care models illustrate a range of promising strategies that deserve growing recognition, refinement, and implementation.

Comparison of haloperidol, non-haloperidol antipsychotics, and no pharmacotherapy for the management of delirium in an inpatient geriatric palliative care population

Antipsychotics are frequently used for treatment of delirium, although little evidence exists that they improve delirium outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate haloperidol (HAL) compared to non-haloperidol antipsychotics (NHAP) or no pharmacologic treatment (NP) in the management of delirium in older adults under the care of a palliative care consult service across a large, integrated health care system. A retrospective chart review examined data from September 2014-September 2015. All hospitalized patients ≥65 years old with a diagnosis of delirium during palliative care consultation were included (n = 304). Primary outcome was length of stay after delirium diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included delirium symptom length, sedation, and QTc prolongation. Univariate statistical tests, analysis of covariance, and multiple regression methods were used to compare groups. Post-delirium length of stay in the HAL, NHAP, and NP groups were 8.5, 7.0, and 6.8 days, respectively (p = 0.19). Delirium duration in the HAL, NHAP, and NP groups were 6.7, 6.0, and 4.9 days, respectively (p = 0.05). Safety outcomes were statistically different than the reference group (NHAP). Congruent with existing literature in other generalized patient populations, no significant difference in post-delirium length of stay existed in geriatric, palliative care population.

Pediatric Delirium: Early Identification of Barriers to Optimize Success of Screening and Prevention

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric delirium has a 25% prevalence rate in the pediatric intensive care unit. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact/effect of implementing nonpharmacologic nursing bundles on the incidence of pediatric delirium. It is not yet known whether or not bundles consistently reduce the incidence of delirium.

METHOD

A nonpharmacologic nursing bundle was implemented for pediatric intensive care unit patients, 2 to 18years of age, admitted to an Arizona metropolitan children's hospital. Data were collected using the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAP-D) screening tool.

RESULTS

Control group scores and post-bundle CAP-D scores (mean = 5.57, standard deviation = 5.78 and mean = 7.10, standard deviation = 5.61, respectively) did not differ among the participants. Control participants required an intervention 26.7% of the time for delirium compared with 31.6% in the post-bundle population. No statistical significance was seen between the control group and the post-bundle CAP-D scores t(59) = 7.46; t(205) = 18.17 (p = .08, Fisher exact test).

DISCUSSION

The use of nonpharmacologic bundles for delirium prevention have shown some promising results in helping with delirium reduction. Whether they consistently reduce the incidence has yet to be fully proven. This project shows that significant barriers exist when implementing them in a complex pediatric intensive care environment.

The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing the incidence and duration of delirium in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions versus standard care on incidence and duration of delirium in critically ill patients.

METHODS

We searched electronic and grey literature for randomised clinical trials up to March 2018. Two reviewers independently screened, selected and extracted data. Meta-analysis was undertaken using random effects modelling.

RESULTS

We identified 15 trials (2812 participants). Eleven trials reported incidence of delirium. Pooled data from four trials of bright light therapy showed no significant effect between groups (n = 829 participants, RR 0.45, 99% CI 0.10-2.13, P = 0.19, very low quality evidence). Seven trials of various individual interventions also failed to report any significant effects. A total of eight trials reported duration of delirium. Pooled data from two trials of multicomponent physical therapy showed no significant effect [n = 404 participants, MD (days) - 0.65, 99% CI - 2.73 to 1.44, P = 0.42, low quality of evidence]. Four trials of various individual interventions also reported no significant effects. A trial of family voice reorientation showed a beneficial effect [n = 30, MD (days) - 1.30, 99% CI - 2.41 to - 0.19, P = 0.003, very low quality evidence].

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence does not support the use of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing incidence and duration of delirium in critically ill patients. Future research should consider well-designed and well-described multicomponent interventions and include adequately defined outcome measures.

Pharmacologic Management of Delirium in the ICU: A Review of the Literature

Purpose:

Conflicting data exists on the pharmacologic management of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium. This review appraises the current evidence of pharmacologic management of ICU delirium.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted to answer the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) question of: “Does the use of a pharmacologic agent compared to standard of care or placebo improve ICU delirium in a critically ill patient population?”

Results:

After application of the PICO question and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 articles were included. Of these articles, 7 were prospective randomized controlled trials, 1 was a prospective nonrandomized controlled trial, and 5 were retrospective investigations. The included articles differed in the agents evaluated, primary outcome, and method of identifying delirium.

Conclusion:

The variability of outcomes illustrates the need for a large-scale investigation to further evaluate the role of pharmacologic management of ICU delirium.

Perceptions of Family Members, Nurses, and Physicians on Involving Patients' Families in Delirium Prevention

BACKGROUND

Delirium occurs in up to 80% of patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Nonpharmacologic delirium-prevention strategies, which are commonly used by the bedside nurse, have reduced the incidence and duration of delirium in patients in the intensive care unit. With increasing demands on the nurse, strategies such as including the patient's family in delirium prevention activities should be investigated. OBJECTIVE To determine opinions and willingness of health care providers to involve patients' families in nonpharmacologic delirium-prevention activities in the intensive care unit, and of patients' families to be involved.

METHODS

Two surveys, one for intensive care unit nurses and physicians and one for patients' families, were developed and administered. The provider survey focused on current delirium-prevention practices and opinions about family involvement. The family survey concentrated on barriers and willingness to participate in prevention activities.

RESULTS

Sixty nurses and 58 physicians completed the survey. Most physicians (93%) and all nurses believed families could assist with delirium prevention. Only 50% reported speaking with family members about delirium and delirium prevention. The family survey was completed by 60 family members; 38% reported a provider spoke with them about delirium. Family members reported high levels of comfort in participating in delirium-prevention activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care providers and family members are supportive of the latter performing delirium-prevention activities. Family of patients in the intensive care unit may work collaboratively with nurses to reduce the incidence and duration of delirium in these patients.

Delirium in Trauma Patients: Prevalence and Predictors

BACKGROUND

Delirium is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, hospital costs, and postdischarge cognitive dysfunction. Most research focuses on nontrauma patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and predictors of delirium in trauma patients residing in intensive and intermediate care units of an academic medical center.

METHODS

Trauma patients were screened for delirium by using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. Exclusion criteria included documented brain injury, history of psychosis or cognitive impairment, not speaking English, and hearing or vision loss.

RESULTS

Of the 215 study patients, 24% were positive for delirium; 36% of patients in the intensive care unit and 11% of patients in the intermediate care unit. Delirium-positive patients were older (mean age, 53.4 years) than patients who were not (mean age, 44 years; P = .004). Although mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 4.73, P = .004) was the strongest independent risk factor for delirium, 12% of delirium-positive patients were not receiving mechanical ventilation. Other predictors of delirium were use of antipsychotic medications, higher scores on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III, and lower scores on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in both the intermediate and intensive care units, whether mechanical ventilation was used or not, were positive for delirium. Delirium prevention protocols may benefit trauma patients regardless of their inpatient location.

Clinical Utility of a Structured Program to Reduce the Risk of Health-Related Quality of Life Impairment after Discharge from Intensive Care Unit: A Real-World Experience

BACKGROUND

Postdischarge deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a major clinical issue for patients after an intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization. A significant proportion of these patients is known to develop a progressive worsening of mental and physical performance-the so-called post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

AIM

We aimed at exploring the effects of a structured program for the management of ICU patients, aimed at improving postdischarge HRQoL and reducing the risk of PICS.

METHODS

A total of 159 patients hospitalized in our ICU with a length of stay >72 hours were enrolled in an institutional management protocol including specific recommendations: adequate sedation and analgesia protocols, to ensure a valid delirium prevention strategy, and to provide a planned midterm after discharge. The main endpoint was the occurrence of PICS at the 6-month follow-up visitation, defined as an abnormal physical or mental score in the SF-12 questionnaire in the presence of clinical evidence of new or worsening impairment in physical, cognitive, or mental health status. An additional questionnaire was administered, to assess the effects of ICU-related memories.

RESULTS

Most patients positively rated their health at the 6-month follow-up and had no significant impairment in physical or mental health status. The mean normalized values of the physical and mental component of the SF-12 score were 46 ± 11 and 48 ± 14, suggesting a normal physical and mental health status in most patients. Twenty-nine patients (18.2%) showed evidence of PICS. Similar good results were found by the questionnaire of memories. In multivariable analysis, no variable was found to predict the risk of PICS in our population.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world analysis that lacks a control group, patients who used a program aimed at minimizing the risk of HRQoL deterioration and PICS reported a good perception of their state of health with a relatively low prevalence of PICS.

Delirium in Children: Identification, Prevention, and Management

Delirium in children is an often underrecognized but serious complication of hospitalization. Delirium in this age group has been described as behaviors such as refractory agitation and restlessness, visual or auditory hallucinations, children being "not themselves," and a lethargic state. Often, children with delirium are at risk for harming themselves by dislodging tubes, falling, or refusing care. Pediatric nurses must recognize and intervene to prevent and treat delirium in hospitalized children because the delirium may be an indicator of worsening clinical status and is associated with high mortality and morbidity in children of all ages and with posttraumatic stress disorder. Pediatric nurses are uniquely positioned to design care interventions to both reduce risk for delirium and treat active delirium. Many treatment recommendations are nonpharmacological and are part of excellent nursing care.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies for managing delirium in hospitalized postoperative adults: an umbrella review protocol

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE

The question of this review: What is the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies for the management of delirium in hospitalized adult postoperative patients?The objective of this umbrella review is to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies for the management of delirium in adult postoperative patients, 18 years and over, in an acute care hospitalized setting.More specifically, the review aims to identify which non-pharmacological strategy/strategies, provided as a single strategy or combined as two or more strategies, is the most effective for management of delirium in hospitalized postoperative adult patients?

Current practice and opinions of hospital pharmacists regarding their role in the screening, prevention and treatment of delirium

Background An interdisciplinary approach is fundamental for effective prevention and treatment of delirium. Pharmacists could play a role in identifying and resolving medication-related delirium. However, little is known about their role in delirium care. Objective The main purpose of this survey was to assess the current practice and opinions of pharmacists concerning their involvement in screening, prevention and treatment of delirium. Setting Pharmacists in public and private hospitals in Australia. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a pilot tested web-based questionnaire which was distributed primarily via a link in the electronic newsletter of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia. Main outcome measure Number and proportion of respondents answering questions related to the practice and perceptions of pharmacists in delirium management. Results Responses from 106 pharmacists were included in the analysis. Most respondents believed that pharmacists could play a role in prevention (92%) and screening (62%) of patients for delirium. However, in practice only 8% of pharmacists reported that they had ever screened a patient for delirium using a validated tool and 79% indicated that pharmacists were never or rarely involved in delirium treatment. When pharmacists did make recommendations half of the respondents said that pharmacists' recommendations were frequently or always accepted by the delirium treating teams. Conclusion Hospital pharmacists are underutilised in the prevention and management of delirium. Strategies to increase their involvement in the prevention and management of delirium should be implemented.

Intensive care nurses' experiences and perceptions of delirium and delirium care

OBJECTIVE

To explore nurses' experiences and perceptions of delirium, managing delirious patients, and screening for delirium, five years after introduction of the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care into standard practice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND SETTING

Twelve nurses from a medical-surgical intensive care unit in a large teaching hospital attended two focus group sessions. The collected qualitative data was thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework (2006).

FINDINGS

The analysis identified seven themes: (1) Delirium as a Secondary Matter (2) Unpleasant Nature of Delirium (3) Scepticism About Delirium Assessment (4) Distrust in Delirium Management (5) Value of Communication (6) Non-pharmacological Therapy (7) Need for Reviewed Delirium Policy.

CONCLUSION

Nurses described perceiving delirium as a low priority matter and linked it to work culture within the intensive care specialty. Simultaneously, they expressed their readiness to challenge this culture and to promote the notion of providing high-quality delirium care. Nurses discussed their frustrations related to lack of confidence in assessing delirium, as well as lack of effective therapies in managing this group of patients. They declared their appreciation for non-pharmacological interventions in treatment of delirium, suggested improvements to current delirium approach and proposed introducing psychological support for nurses dealing with delirious patients.

[Non-withdrawal-related delirium : Evidence on prevention and therapy]

Delirium is a severe and common yet under-diagnosed disorder in the clinical routine. Multiple factors may contribute to the development of delirium, which is associated with increased mortality and high healthcare costs. Treatment of delirium is often provided with delay and limited to pharmacological interventions. This article summarizes the key symptoms for delirium as well as risk factors and highlights the pharmacological and non-pharmacological options for treatment and prevention.

Determination of the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention program to prevent delirium in the Intensive Care Unit: A modified RAND Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Delirium is common in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and associated with poor outcome. In non-ICU patients a multicomponent intervention program with non-pharmacological interventions has shown to reduce delirium. Currently, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of such a program in ICU patients. We developed a draft program based on a review. As most studies were conducted in non-ICU patients, the feasibility of the program in ICU patients needs to be assessed before investigating its effectiveness.

OBJECTIVES

To determine experts' opinion and to achieve group consensus on the feasibility and completeness of the multicomponent intervention program for ICU patients.

METHODS

A modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Delphi study was used. A total of 38 experts were selected following purposive sampling. Round one informed the experts about the draft program and asked for their opinion about its feasibility and completeness. In round two the experts were asked to reconsider their opinion based on changes made, and to rank the interventions in order of importance. The feasibility was scored using a 9-point Likert scale. A disagreement index (DI) and panel median were calculated to determine the level of agreement.

RESULTS

During Delphi round one 100% of the questionnaires was completed, during round two 79%. After two rounds the experts agreed on the feasibility of the interventions targeting sleep deprivation (panel median 7.00, DI 0.26), immobility (panel median 8.00, DI 0.22), visual and hearing impairment (panel median 8.00, DI 0.19), and cognitive impairment (panel median 8.00, DI 0.23), except for cognitive training (panel median 5.00, DI 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

During this study a feasible multicomponent intervention program to prevent ICU delirium was developed based on expert consensus. As no consensus was reached on cognitive training, a pilot study is planned to determine the feasibility of cognitive training in the ICU.

The impact of nUrsiNg DEliRium Preventive INnterventions in the Intensive Care Unit (UNDERPIN-ICU): A study protocol for a multi-centre, stepped wedge randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a common disorder in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and is associated with serious short- and long-term consequences, including re-intubations, ICU readmissions, prolonged ICU and hospital stay, persistent cognitive problems, and higher mortality rates. Considering the high incidence of delirium and its consequences, prevention of delirium is imperative. This study focuses on a program of standardized nursing and physical therapy interventions to prevent delirium in the ICU, called UNDERPIN-ICU (nUrsiNg DEliRium Preventive INterventions in the ICU).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of the UNDERPIN-ICU program on the number of delirium-coma-free days in 28days and several secondary outcomes, such as delirium incidence, the number of days of survival in 28 and 90days and delirium-related outcomes.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A multicenter stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Eight to ten Dutch ICUs will implement the UNDERPIN-ICU program in a randomized order. Every two months the UNDERPIN-ICU program will be implemented in an additional ICU following a two months period of staff training. UNDERPIN-ICU consists of standardized protocols focusing on several modifiable risk factors for delirium, including cognitive impairment, sleep deprivation, immobility and visual and hearing impairment.

PARTICIPANTS

ICU patients aged ≥18years (surgical, medical, or trauma) and at high risk for delirium, E-PRE-DELIRIC ≥35%, will be included, unless delirium was detected prior ICU admission, expected length of ICU stay is less then one day or when delirium assessment is not possible.

DISCUSSION

For every intervention the balance between putative benefit and potential unwanted side effects needs to be considered. In non-ICU patients, it has been shown that a similar program resulted in a significant reduction of delirium incidence and duration. Recent small studies using multi component interventions to prevent delirium in ICU patients have also shown beneficial effect, without unwanted side effects. We therefore feel that the proportionality of potential positive effects of the UNDERPIN-ICU program, weighed against potential unwanted side effects is favourable. Since this has not been rigorously proven in ICU patients, we will study the effects of this program in ICU patients using a stepped wedge design.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered in the clinical trials registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

REPORTING METHOD

Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trails (SPIRIT).

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Delirium Prevention Bundle in Critically Ill Patients

BACKGROUND

Strategies for preventing delirium include early identification and avoiding or modifying patient, environmental, and iatrogenic factors. Minimal research exists on a prescriptive delirium prevention bundle that details elements or strategies for each bundle component. Even less research has been focused on nurse-driven interventions or components.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a delirium prevention bundle in decreasing delirium incidence in 2 medical-surgical intensive care units in a large Texas medical center.

METHODS

Researchers used the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit to assess delirium incidence by using a controlled interventional cohort design with 447 delirium-negative critically ill patients. Bundle components consist of sedation cessation, pain management, sensory stimulation, early mobilization, and sleep promotion.

RESULTS

The intervention, analyzed by using a logistic regression model, reduced the odds of delirium by 78% (odds ratio, 0.22; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The delirium prevention bundle was effective in reducing the incidence of delirium in critically ill medical-surgical patients. Further validation studies are under way.

Best Practices for Managing Pain, Sedation, and Delirium in the Mechanically Ventilated Patient

Nursing management of pain, agitation, and delirium in mechanically ventilated patients is a challenge in critical care. Oversedation can lead to delayed extubation, prolonged ventilator days, unnecessary neurologic testing, and complications such as weakness and delirium. Undersedation can lead to self-extubation, invasive line removal, unnecessary patient distress, and injury to self or others. Acquiring an optimal level of sedation requires the bedside nurse to be more vigilant than ever with patient assessment and medication titration. This article provides a historical perspective of the management of pain, agitation, and delirium, and disseminates information contained in revised Society for Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines (January 2013) to promote their implementation in day-to-day nursing care.

[Delirium and delirium management in critically ill patients]

Delirium in critically ill patients is a common entity in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is an expression of the cerebral organ dysfunction of the patient. The hallmark signs are disturbed consciousness and cognition in combination with inattentiveness and alterations in perception, which are manifested within a time interval of hours to days during treatment on the ICU. Delirium has been shown to have negative effects on patient short-term and long-term outcome parameters and increases morbidity and mortality. Despite its significance in many cases delirium remains inadequately diagnosed during routine treatment by ICU personnel. There are two validated and easily applicable scales for the standardized diagnosis of delirium: the confusion assessment method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the intensive care delirium screening checklist (ICDSC). These are simple to apply by medical as well as non-medical personnel. The therapy of delirium is mostly determined by non-pharmacological measures aiming at early identification, reorientation and mobilization of the patient, improving cerebral activity and establishing adequate wake-sleep cycles. There is only sparse evidence for pharmacological treatment of delirium; however, the choice of sedative agent has a proven effect on the incidence and duration of delirium in the ICU.

Screening and Management of Delirium in Critically Ill Patients

Delirium is highly prevalent in the critically ill population and has been associated with numerous negative outcomes including increased mortality. The presentation of a delirious patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) is characterized by a fluctuating cognitive status and inattention that varies dramatically among patients. Delirium can present in 3 different motoric subtypes: hyperactive, hypoactive, and mixed. Two tools, the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist and Confusion Assessment ICU, are validated and recommended for the detection of delirium in critically ill patients. The identification of delirium in a critically ill patient should be facilitated using one of these tools. An intermediate form of delirium known as subsyndromal delirium also exists, although the significance of this syndrome is largely unknown. Another phenomenon known as sedation-related delirium has been recently described, although more research is needed to understand its significance. Patients in the ICU are exposed to many risk factors for developing delirium; controlling these risk factors is essential for preventing delirium development in critically ill patients. Nonpharmacologic interventions have been shown to prevent patients from developing delirium. Prevention is crucial because once delirium develops pharmacologic therapy is limited.