Combating Intensive Care Unit Delirium Empowering Nurses with Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Acute Care Settings

Abstract

Record ID: 186

Student Major: Nursing

Project Advisor: Paul Lewis

Abstract: Delirium is a notable decline in cognitive ability that is linked to higher mortality and morbidity rates as well as prolonged hospital admissions related to deterioration in motor, cognitive, and functional abilities. The incidence of delirium is notable in Intensive Care Units (ICU) where it ranges from 45-87%, indicating characteristics of ICU environments are a significant contributing factor to the development of delirium. Current practice does not promote non-pharmacological nursing interventions to reduce the rate or severity of delirium, it instead relies on pharmacological interventions. The purpose of this project is to introduce non-pharmacological nursing interventions to ICU nurses, which have been shown to decrease the incidence of hospital delirium. Nursing interventions such as periodic reorientation, reducing excess noise, and early mobility were introduced in an educational session for nurses working at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Neuroscience ICU. Using a PowerPoint presentation, participants received education on the signs of delirium, evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions to prevent delirium, and the efficacy of combining interventions into a "bundle" protocol for ease of implementation. A handout was provided to demonstrate an example of bundled non-pharmacological interventions and the advantages of implementing the change in practices. Pre- and post-tests were given to gauge their learning and the effectiveness of the teachings by measuring nurse's knowledge of recognizing, preventing, and reducing the severity of ICU-acquired delirium. Findings are currently pending.