J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2018 May;25(2):109-119. 10.7739/jkafn.2018.25.2.109.

Effects of Delirium Prevention Interventions for Neurocritical Patients

• Lee MJ
• Yun SH
• Choi KO
• Seong SS
• Lee SM
• Kang JJ

• KMID: 2412992
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2018.25.2.109

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a delirium prevention intervention for patients in neurology and neurosurgery intensive care units (ICUs).
METHODS
This study was a quasi-experimental study. Participants were 87 patients. The experimental group was provided with nonpharmacologic and multicomponent delirium prevention interventions, consisting of regular delirium assessment, improvement in orientation, early therapeutic intervention, and environmental interventions. The control group was provided with routine intensive care. Data were analyzed using χ² test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test.
RESULTS
Both groups were homogeneous. The incidence of delirium and length of hospitalization were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group. ICU stay, mortality and unplanned extubation were lower in the experimental group compared to the control group, but there was no significant difference.
CONCLUSION
Findings indicate that the delirium prevention intervention is effective in reducing incidence of delirium and length of hospitalization. Therefore, this intervention should be helpful in preventing delirium in neurology and neurosurgery ICUs and can be used as a guide in the prevention of delirium in neurological diseases's patients.

Keyword

Delirium; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Intensive care units

MeSH Terms

Critical Care
Delirium*
Hospitalization
Humans
Incidence
Intensive Care Units
Mortality
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic