A world-wide study on delirium assessments and presence of protocols.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common complication of older people in hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the worldwide use of validated delirium assessment tools and the presence of delirium management protocols. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a worldwide one-day point prevalence study on World Delirium Awareness Day, 15 March 2023. SETTING: Cross-sectional online survey including hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities. METHODS: Participating clinicians reported data on delirium, the presence of protocols, delirium assessments, delirium-awareness interventions, non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, and ward/unit-specific barriers. RESULTS: Data from 44 countries, 1664 wards/units and 36 048 patients were analysed. Validated delirium assessments were used in 66.7% (n = 1110) of wards/units, 18.6% (n = 310) used personal judgement or no assessment, and 10% (n = 166) used other assessment methods. A delirium management protocol was reported in 66.8% (n = 1094) of wards/units. The presence of protocols for delirium management varied across continents, ranging from 21.6% (on 21/97 wards/units) in Africa to 90.4% (235/260) in Australia, similar to the use of validated delirium assessments with 29.6% (29/98) in Africa to 93.5% (116/124) in North America. Wards/units with a delirium management protocol [n = 1094/1664, 66.8%] were more likely to use a validated delirium test than those without a protocol [odds ratio 6.97 (95% confidence interval 5.289-9.185)]. The presence of a delirium protocol increased the chances for valid delirium assessment and, likely, evidence-based interventions. CONCLUSION: Wards/units that reported the presence of delirium management protocols had a higher probability of using validated delirium assessments tools to assess for delirium.

You are safe here: A flyer with re-orientating messages for families of patients with delirium in the intensive care unit.

Patients in delirium require trustful communication and re-orientation. We developed a flyer with positive, re-orientating suggestions for families of delirious patients in intensive care units. Suggestions include creating a safe environment, interpreting unusual behaviours positively and fostering mental resilience. Additionally, families are encouraged to prioritize their own well-being, recognizing their crucial role in supporting their loved ones. This flyer offers practical strategies across four key areas: ensuring security and orientation, reframing noises and body experiences, managing agitation and reshaping perceptions. By equipping families with knowledge and tools, this resource aims to promote understanding, resilience and strength to humanize delirium care.

Intensive care unit diaries-harmful or harmless: A systematic literature review and qualitative data synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to evaluate the extent of harm for critically ill patients, family members, and healthcare professionals associated with writing and reading intensive care unit (ICU) diaries. REVIEW METHOD USED: A systematic literature review and a synthesis of qualitative data were performed. The protocol of this study has been registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42022376393). DATA SOURCES: Databases were PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsychNet, and Livivo. REVIEW METHODS: The search included qualitative and mixed-methods studies related to harm with an ICU diary. Deductive content analysis was used to create abstractions of quotations. Study quality was assessed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. RESULTS: Of 12 827 titles, 27 studies with 476 participants were included. Events involving the patients, family members, and healthcare professionals occurred but did not result in harm. A total of 68 quotations from patients, family members, and healthcare professionals were extracted. Those patients, their families, and healthcare professionals who mentioned intense emotions regarding diaries experienced writing and reading diaries as an emotional journey (patients), a help with tears (families), or a question of emotional distance (healthcare professionals). CONCLUSIONS: Writing and reading ICU diaries can be associated with intense emotions, which are natural reactions when coping with a stressful situation. No study reported harm. Based on uncertain qualitative evidence, the benefits of writing and reading ICU diaries as coping strategies outweigh the potential harm. More research is needed. REGISTRATION OF REVIEW: The International prospective register of systematic reviews CRD42022376393.

Experiences of parents visiting an adult family member in the intensive care unit accompanied by their underaged children: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore experiences and needs of parents visiting critically ill family members in intensive care units (ICUs) accompanied by their underaged children (<18 years). METHODS: Six semistructured interviews with parents were conducted in a qualitative design. Data analysis and synthesis were performed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. This study was conducted in five adult ICUs in Switzerland. FINDINGS: Parents opted for early and truthful involvement of their children, and the majority initiated the visits themselves. Five themes were identified: feeling of shock by the entire family; crying in front of the children; feeling welcome with the children; knowing that the children can cope with it; and holding the family together. Parents felt only partially welcomed in the ICU when accompanied by their children. In one case, the parents withdrew the child from the visit. CONCLUSIONS: Parents experienced the visit to a critically ill family member in the ICU with their underaged children as challenging. They were emotionally vulnerable and yet took the initiative to keep the family together. Parents had to mediate between their children, the critically ill family member, and the treatment team. Awareness of the needs of the parents visiting with underaged children is important in clinical practice. There is a need for family-centred structures and processes, including adequate visiting times and rooms suitable for children with books, pictures, and toys.

Guideline on multimodal rehabilitation for patients with post-intensive care syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors often experience several impairments in their physical, cognitive, and psychological health status, which are labeled as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). The aim of this work is to develop a multidisciplinary and -professional guideline for the rehabilitative therapy of PICS. METHODS: A multidisciplinary/-professional task force of 15 healthcare professionals applied a structured, evidence-based approach to address 10 scientific questions. For each PICO-question (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome), best available evidence was identified. Recommendations were rated as "strong recommendation", "recommendation" or "therapy option", based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation principles. In addition, evidence gaps were identified. RESULTS: The evidence resulted in 12 recommendations, 4 therapy options, and one statement for the prevention or treatment of PICS. RECOMMENDATIONS: early mobilization, motor training, and nutrition/dysphagia management should be performed. Delirium prophylaxis focuses on behavioral interventions. ICU diaries can prevent/treat psychological health issues like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders. Early rehabilitation approaches as well as long-term access to specialized rehabilitation centers are recommended. Therapy options include additional physical rehabilitation interventions. Statement: A prerequisite for the treatment of PICS are the regular and repeated assessments of the physical, cognitive and psychological health in patients at risk for or having PICS. CONCLUSIONS: PICS is a variable and complex syndrome that requires an individual multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional approach. Rehabilitation of PICS should include an assessment and therapy of motor-, cognitive-, and psychological health impairments.

[Non-pharmacological Management of Postoperative Delirium]. / Nicht pharmakologisches Management des postoperativen Delirs.

Postoperative delirium is common especially in the elderly and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Non-pharmacological multicomponent interventions are effective in reducing the incidence and to a degree the duration of postoperative delirium and are recommended in international guidelines on postoperative delirium as first line intervention for management of delirium. Non-pharmacological management of postoperative delirium consists of strategies for risk stratification, risk reduction by non-pharmacological bundle interventions, early recognition of delirium by screening protocols and immediate therapy of underlying causes of delirium and continuation of non-pharmacological bundles. Non-pharmacological bundle interventions address common perioperative risk factors. Bundles comprise strategies for oxygenation, mobilization, hydration and nutrition, sensory and cognitive stimulation, reorientation, modifications of environmental factors such as design aspects and noise reduction, adequate analgesia, management of agitation and anxiety, protecting circadian rhythms for example by adequate light exposure during daytime, family involvement and timely reduction of unnecessary catheters and anticholinergic drugs. The article aims at providing an overview of non-pharmacological management of postoperative delirium in the hospital.

Mobilization and Rehabilitation Practice in ICUs During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Mobilization and acute rehabilitation are essential in the intensive care unit (ICU), with substantial evidence supporting their benefits. This study aimed to characterize ICU mobilization practices during the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with and without COVID-19. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of an international point prevalence study. All ICUs across the world were eligible to participate and were required to enroll all patients in each ICU on the survey date, 27 January 2021. The primary outcome was the achievement of mobilization at the level of sitting over the edge of the bed. Independent factors associated with mobilization, including COVID-19 infection, were analyzed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 135 ICUs in 33 countries participated, for inclusion of 1229 patients. Among patients who were not receiving mechanical ventilation (MV), those with COVID-19 infection were mobilized more than those without COVID-19 (60% vs. 34%, p < 0.001). Among patients who were receiving MV, mobilization was low in both groups (7% vs. 9%, p = .56). These findings were consistent irrespective of ICU length of stay. Multivariable analysis showed that COVID-19 infection was associated with achievement of mobilization in patients without (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.71-7.42) and with MV (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.00-4.51). Factors that prevented mobilization were prone positioning in patients without MV and continuous use of neuromuscular blockade and sedation agents in patients with MV, whereas facilitating factors were the presence of targets/goals in both groups. CONCLUSION: Mobilization rates for ICU patients across the globe are severely low, with the greatest immobility observed in mechanically ventilated patients. Although COVID-19 is not an independent barrier to the mobilization of patients with or without MV, this study has highlighted the current lack of mobility practice for all ICU patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.(299 words).

[Mobilization of Intensive Care Unit Patients: How Can the ICU Rooms and Modern Medical Equipment Help?] / Mobilisation auf Intensivstationen: Intensivpflegezimmer und Medizintechnik können helfen.

Intensive Care Unit patients frequently develop physical impairments, mainly weakness, during their ICU stay. Early mobilization is a central therapeutic element in patients on an intensive care unit to prevent and treat these physical sequelae to conserve independence. Different barriers such as lacking patient motivation, insufficient staffing and fear of dislocating vascular access or the airway led to insufficient implementation of current guideline recommendation. Integration of modern medical equipment as well as the adequate ICU room concepts is a promising option to overcome those barriers.Allowing for sufficient free floor area when planning an ICU - maybe through the integration of mobile elements - is likely to ease early mobilization and should be thoroughly considered when building or remodeling an ICU. Furthermore, wireless monitoring has been deemed necessary and could potentially decrease the fear regarding dislocation due to less cable or lines that need to be managed during mobilization.Virtual reality is a rapidly evolving field and while in ICU patients it could so far only show to reduce stress level it has been shown to improve rehabilitation in stroke patients. It is imaginable that its integration in mobilization on the ICU will boost patients' motivation. Trials are still outstanding.Robotics integrated in the ICU bed or in form of exoskeletons are currently being piloted in critically ill patients with many expected benefits due to the ability to support patients tailored to their individual needs, reduce staff requirements as the robotics will cover support function and improved duration and intensity of mobilization as for example the patient can be ambulated without ever leaving the bed, which also translates into potentially reduced fear regarding dislocation of the airway or vascular access.Currently, evidence on the benefits regarding the integration of ICU rooms as well as modern medical technology into the process of (early) mobilization is lacking but especially in the sector of robotics a huge potential is to be suspected.

Mobilization in the evening to prevent delirium: A pilot randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common complication in patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Interventions such as mobilization are effective in the prevention and treatment of delirium, although this is usually completed during the daytime. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of mobilization in the evening to prevent and treat ICU patients from delirium by an additional mobility team over 2 weeks. METHODS: The design was a pilot, multi-centre, randomized, controlled trial in four mixed ICUs over a period of 2 weeks. The mobility team consisted of trained nurses and physiotherapists. Patients in the intervention group were mobilized onto the edge of the bed or more between 21.00 and 23.00. Patients in the control group received usual care. The primary outcome parameter was the feasibility of the study, measured as recruitment rate, delivery rate, and safety. Secondary outcomes were duration and incidence of delirium, mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), and hospital length of stay for 28 days follow-up, and power calculation for a full trial. RESULTS: Out of 185 patients present in the ICUs, 28.6% (n = 53) were eligible and could be recruited, of which 24.9% (n = 46, Intervention = 26, Control = 20) were included in the final analysis. In the intervention group, mobilization could be delivered in 75% (n = 54) of 72 possible occasions; mobilization-related safety events appeared in 16.7% (n = 9) without serious consequences. Secondary parameters were similar, with less delirium in the intervention group albeit not significant. With an association of Cramer's V = 0.237, a complete study reaching statistical significance would require at least 140 patients, last 6 weeks, and cost >30 000 €. CONCLUSIONS: In a mixed ICU population, mobilization in the evening was feasible in one-quarter of patients with a low rate of safety events. Future trials seem to be feasible and worth conducting.

[Cross-sectional study of COVID-19 patients on working conditions and quality of care]. / Querschnittsstudie zu Arbeitsbedingungen und Versorgungsqualität in der Versorgung von COVID-19-Patienten.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic challenges hospital clinicians by additional burdens. Key questions are whether hospital clinicians have experienced more stress in the care of COVID-19 patients and whether patient safety and quality of care have changed. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using an online survey with clinicians in German hospitals on working conditions and quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing clinicians with (MmK) vs. without direct contact (MoK) to COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: In total, 2122 clinicians participated. Most clinicians were physicians (15.4%, n = 301) or nurses (77.0%, n = 1505) working in major acute care hospitals (46.0%, n = 899). Every second respondent stated that they worked more than usual (46.4%, n = 907) and took on additional activities (47.7%, n = 932). A quarter of the participants did not receive any training or get instructions in devices (21.5%, n = 421). Only 51.5% (n = 1006) of the respondents were provided with sufficient personal protective equipment. More than 30% (32.7%, n = 639) were more satisfied than usual. The comparing clinicans with vs. without direkt contact to Covid-19 patients worked more shifts than usual (> 2 shifts: 24.1%, n = 306 vs. 13.7%, n = 63, p < 0.001) and without instruction (27.9%, n = 364 vs. 17.1%), n = 57, p < 0.001). In terms of patient safety, there were more deficiencies in the care, mechanical ventilation and nursing (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The cross-sectional study indicates an increased burden on clinicians and a restricted quality of care for patients with COVID-19. A risk to patients or clinicians cannot be excluded.

Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Switzerland.

PURPOSE: Growing evidence suggests that early mobilization benefits intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, national practices and the culture of individual ICUs influence mobilization activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 1-day, Swiss point prevalence study conducted in 35 ICUs (representing 45% of all ICUs), the highest level of mobilization for mechanically ventilated patients was characterized using the validated ICU Mobility Scale, along with data collection for potential safety events and mobilization barriers. RESULTS: Among 161 mechanically ventilated patients, a total of 33% (n = 53) had active mobilization, with walking achieved by only 2% (n = 4). More severe organ failure was associated with lower mobilization (respiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score: P = .037, cardiac: P = .008, neurology: P < .001). Barriers to mobilization were reported in 71% (n = 115), with deep sedation significantly higher among patients receiving passive versus active mobilization (14% vs 0%, P = .005). Potential safety events occurred in 20% (n = 33) of patients without significant differences between passive and active mobilization. Availability of physiotherapists and appropriate equipment were not reported barriers. CONCLUSION: Mobilization during mechanical ventilation occurred infrequently with greater organ failure associated with lower mobilization. Addressing the identified modifiable barriers via structured efforts to achieve multidisciplinary culture change is essential to decrease the common use of bed rest in Swiss ICUs.

PROtocol-based MObilizaTION on intensive care units: stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pilot study (Pro-Motion).

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) improves patient recovery, but implementation remains challenging. Protocols may enhance the rate of out-of-bed mobilizations. AIM: To evaluate the effect of implementing a protocol for early mobilization on the rate of out-of-bed mobilizations and other outcomes of ICU patients. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pilot study. METHODS: After a control period, five ICUs were allocated to the implementation of an inter-professional protocol for early mobilization in a randomized, monthly order. Mobilization of ICU patients was evaluated by monthly 1-day point prevalence surveys using the ICU Mobility Scale. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients mobilized out of bed, defined as level 3 on the ICU Mobility Scale (sitting on edge of bed) or higher. Secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation, delirium and ICU- and hospital-days, as well as unwanted safety events. RESULTS: Out-of-bed mobilizations increased non-significantly from 36·2% (n = 55) of 152 patients during the control period to 45·8% (n = 55) of 120 patients during the intervention period (difference 9·6%; 95% confidence interval -2·1 to 21·3%). Of 55 mobilized patients per group, more patients were mobilized once per day during the intervention period (intervention: n = 41 versus control: n = 23 patients). Multiple daily mobilizations decreased (control: n = 32 control versus intervention: n = 14 patients). Secondary outcomes, such as days with mechanical ventilation, delirium and in ICU and hospital, did not significantly differ. Adherence to the protocol was >90%; unwanted safety events were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a protocol for early mobilization of ICU patients showed a trend towards more patients being mobilized. Without additional staff in participating ICUs, a significant increase in ICU mobilizations was not to be anticipated. More research should address whether more staff would increase the number of frequent mobilizations and if this is relevant to outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Implementing inter-professional protocols for mobilization is feasible and safe and may contribute to an increase of ICU patients mobilized out of bed.

Extent and application of patient diaries in Austria: process of continuing adaptation.

BACKGROUND: Diaries written for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are offered in many European countries. In Austria, ICU diaries have been relatively unknown, but since 2012, they have started to emerge. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the extent and application of ICU diaries in Austria in 2015. METHOD: The study had a prospective multiple methods design of survey and interviews. All ICUs in Austria were surveyed in 2015 to identify which ICUs used diaries. ICUs using diaries were selected for semi-structured key-informant telephone interviews on the application of ICU diaries. Interviews were analysed by content analysis. RESULTS: Of the 178 ICUs contacted, 13 had implemented ICU diaries. In all ICUs, diaries were sporadically introduced by a few dedicated nurses. Experiences of participating nurses can be summarized in two main themes: (a) the process of innovation and (b) the process of practice. Sub-themes were: (i) inspiration, creativity and innovation and (ii) purpose, indications, responsibility, authorship, experience, negative reception, and post-ICU practice. Individual nurses at each ICU found ways to organize and format ICU diaries while dealing with ambivalence and legal implications. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a new nursing intervention is an ongoing process. Being innovative and responsible can be challenging, especially in hierarchical team structures. We recommend that nurses work towards national standards for the diary concept in order to enable future research into the process and outcome of ICU diaries. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The implementation of ICU diaries in routine care requires an ongoing adaptive, reflective process. Nurses may experience innovation, leading to the development of their own, feasible adaptions and structures.

Survey among critical care nurses and physicians about delirium management.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a serious complication in patients in intensive care units. Previous surveys on delirium management in daily practice showed low adherence to published guidelines. AIM: To evaluate delirium management in nurses and physicians working in intensive care units in German-speaking countries and to identify related differences between nurses and physicians. DESIGN: The study used an open online survey with multiple-choice responses. METHODS: An invitation for participation was spread via journals and electronic resources using a snowball system. Apart from recording socio-demographical characteristics, the survey collected data on delirium assessment, delirium-related processes, non-pharmacological prevention and treatment and barriers for implementation. Differences between nurses and physicians were tested by Fisher's exact test with sequential Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The survey was conducted in autumn 2016, and 559 clinicians participated. More nurses than physicians reported screening for delirium. The majority of clinicians reported screening for delirium when this was suspected; more than 50% used validated instruments. Half of the clinicians had delirium-related structures implemented, such as two thirds reporting delirium-related processes. Most cited barriers were lack of time and missing knowledge about delirium and its assessment. With significant difference, physicians recommended more than nurses early removal of catheters and daily interprofessional goals for patients. CONCLUSION: In German-speaking countries, assessment of delirium needs further improvement, leading to accurate assessment. Delirium-related structures and processes appear to be implemented widely, with only a few differences between nurses and physicians. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses and physicians in this survey reported similar perceptions and attitudes towards management of delirium. Both professions need more knowledge and inter-professional training on when and how to use validated assessment instruments.

Extent and application of ICU diaries in Germany in 2014.

BACKGROUND: Diaries written for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have been used in many European countries since the early 1990s to support patients and their relatives in their understanding of the ICU experience. ICU diaries have been introduced in Germany since 2008 via the internet, newsletters, newspapers, lectures and publications in German nursing journals. AIM: The aim of the study was to update our knowledge of the extent and application of ICU diaries in Germany in 2014. DESIGN: The study had a prospective mixed methods multicenter design. METHOD: All 152 ICUs in the two German federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein were surveyed to identify units that had implemented ICU diaries. An additional 69 ICUs from other parts of Germany were included in the survey. We excluded diaries used in neonatal ICUs. Out of 43 units using diaries 14 were selected for semi-structured key-informant telephone-interviews on the application of ICU diaries. RESULTS: According to the survey, 8 out of 152 ICUs in the two federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein had implemented ICU diaries and another six were planning implementation. Another 35 ICUs in other areas of Germany had implemented diaries and three units were planning to do so. Interviews were conducted with nurses at 14 selected ICUs. Informants reported successful adaption of the diary concept to their culture, but variability in application. No units were identified where all nursing staff participated in keeping ICU diaries. CONCLUSION: Six years after the introduction of ICU diaries, ICU nurses in Germany are becoming familiar with the concept. Nursing shortage and bureaucratic challenges have impeded the process of implementation, but the adaption of ICU diaries to German conditions appears to be successful and is still in progress. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Implementation of ICU diaries is feasible after adjusting for cultural and legal issues.

Report on Third International Intensive Aftercare Conference in Norrköping, Sweden.

The third international conference on intensive care unit (ICU) diaries and intensive aftercare took place in Norrköping, Sweden, on 28 November 2013. The conference was organized by Carl Bäckman and colleagues, Vrinnevi Hospital and NOFI, and represented by Sissell Storli. More than 100 clinicians from across Europe and the USA attended the conference.