[Non-pharmacological steps for the treatment of acute confusional syndrome in the intensive care unit]. / Medidas no farmacológicas para el tratamiento del síndrome confusional agudo en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED The incidence of delirium in intensive care units is high and it has been under-diagnosed and under-treated. OBJECTIVE: To describe the experiences of ICU nurses in the identification and application of non-pharmacological treatments. METHOD: A qualitative phenomenological research study was performed, based on focus groups. INCLUSION CRITERIA ICU nurses with one year of more of experience were included. Sample Purpose and snowball technique. DATA COLLECTION Data from the focus groups were transcribed for analysis and a thematic analysis of the texts was performed. RESULTS: Four themes were identified a) the physical and social structure of the ICU b) family involvement, c) need for training of health professionals, and d) encouraging the sleep-wake cycle. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to control the ICU environment to make it more friendly, to change the routine work to promote relaxation, implement training activities and to make visiting hours flexible.