A pilot study to test the feasibility of a nonpharmacologic intervention for the prevention of delirium in the medical intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility of and test a multicomponent, nonpharmacologic, nurse-driven intervention for prevention of delirium.


METHODS
This was a prospective, cohort pilot study.


METHODS
This study was carried out in a 12-bed medical intensive care unit in a Magnet-designated community hospital in a major metropolitan city in the Southwest United States.


METHODS
A convenience sample of consented patients meeting inclusion criteria was included in this study.


METHODS
A multicomponent prevention protocol consisting of sedation cessation, sleep-wake cycles, sensory stimulation, mobility, and music was tested.


RESULTS
Capturing data for the interventions was problematic. Insufficient documentation systems and inadequate multidisciplinary participation in carrying out the protocol, especially mobility, were barriers.


CONCLUSIONS
There was little difference in the proportion of delirium before and after intervention. Success in the identification and prevention of delirium requires a multidisciplinary approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed using a larger sample size. Refinement of a mobility program is needed.
College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jfoster@twu.edu
Jan
J
Foster
Miranda
M
Kelly
D003693:Delirium / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015206:Southwestern United States