Outcomes of Delirium Prevention Protocol in Short-term Stay Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of a delirium prevention protocol on patient outcomes in patients admitted to a short-term stay intensive care unit (SSICU). This study was a randomized controlled trial of patients admitted to a SSICU for three months between April 2013 and June 2013. Methods: Delirium was assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit for both groups. A preventative protocol, consisting of high-risk screening, cognitive function assessment and orientation, environmental intervention, and therapeutic intervention to correct risk factors of delirium at an early stage, was applied to the experimental group. The effect on patient outcome was assessed in terms of the development of delirium, in-hospital mortality, re-hospitalization, and length of stay. Data were analyzed by regression and logistic regression analysis. Results: The delirium prevention protocol applied to patients admitted to the SSICU was not effective in reducing the incidence of delirium, in-hospital mortality, re-hospitalization, and length of stay. Conclusion: The application of the delirium prevention protocol was not effective in reducing the incidence of delirium, in-hospital mortality, re-admission, and LOS. Therefore, it is suggested that replication of study using a large group is needed to confirm its effectiveness.