The Effect of a Quality Improvement Intervention on Sleep and Delirium in Critically Ill Patients in a Surgical ICU

A qualitative study of geriatric specialist nurses' experiences to navigate delirium in the elderly

BACKGROUND

The experiences and perceptions of geriatric specialist nurses are pivotal to understanding the complexities of managing delirium and to developing effective nursing interventions. This qualitative study aims to explore these experiences and perceptions to inform the enhancement of clinical geriatric nursing and care practices.

METHODS

Utilizing a qualitative exploratory design, this research engaged a convenience sample of geriatric specialist nurses at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Data were rigorously analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, which facilitated the identification of themes that emerged from the narratives of the geriatric specialist nurses.

RESULTS

The thematic analysis yielded three major themes that encapsulate the nurses' experiences and perceptions. Theme 1: Understanding of Delirium, highlighted the nurses' awareness of the condition's significance, yet it was often deprioritized due to the pressing demands of managing more acute and immediately life-threatening conditions. Theme 2: Barriers in Application, brought to light the multifaceted challenges faced by nurses, including language barriers, the frequency and consistency of delirium assessments, the social determinants of health, and the nurses' own competencies in assessment. Theme 3: Evolution of Nursing Approaches, detailed the adaptive strategies employed by nurses, such as managing nursing adverse events, improving communication with patients' families, and adopting a proactive stance towards long-term patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that while geriatric specialist nurses recognize the importance of delirium assessment, there are several barriers to effective application. The study underscores the imperative for the advancement of more refined delirium assessment and care protocols, tailored to address the unique requirements of geriatric nursing care.

Barriers to Implementing the ICU Liberation Bundle in a Single-center Pediatric and Cardiac ICUs

Objectives: The intensive care unit (ICU) Liberation "ABCDEF" Bundle improves outcomes in critically ill adults. We aimed to identify common barriers to Pediatric ICU Liberation Bundle element implementation, to describe differences in barrier perception by ICU staff role, and to describe changes in reported barriers over time. Study Design: A 91-item survey was developed based on existing literature, iteratively revised, and tested by the PICU Liberation Committee at Seattle Children's Hospital, a tertiary free-standing academic children's hospital. Voluntary surveys were administered electronically to all ICU staff twice over 4-week periods in 2017 and 2020. Survey Respondents: 119 (2017) and 163 (2020) pediatric and cardiac ICU staff, including nurses (n = 142, 50%), respiratory therapists (RTs) (n = 46, 16%), attending and fellow physicians, hospitalists, and advanced practice providers (APPs) (n = 62, 22%), physical, occupational, and speech-language pathology therapists (n = 25, 9%), and pharmacists (n = 7, 2%). Measurements and Main Results: Respondents widely agreed that increased workload (78%-100% across roles), communication (53%-84%), and lack of RT-directed ventilator weaning (68%-88%) are barriers to implementation. Other barriers differed by role. In 2020, nurses reported liability (59%) and personal injury (68%) concerns, patient severity of illness (24%), and family discomfort with ICU liberation practices (41%) more frequently than physicians and APPs (16%, 6%, 8%, and 19%, respectively; P < .01 for all). Between 2017 and 2020, some barriers changed: RTs endorsed discomfort with early mobilization less frequently (50% vs 11%, P = .028) and nurses reported concern for patient harm less frequently (51% vs 24%, P = .004). Conclusions: Implementation efforts aimed at addressing known barriers, including educating staff on the safety of early mobility, considering respiratory therapist-directed ventilator weaning, and standardizing interdisciplinary discussion of Pediatric ICU Liberation Bundle elements, will be needed to overcome barriers and improve ICU Liberation Bundle implementation.

Blood gas sampling in the intensive care unit: A prospective before-and-after interventional study on the effect of an educational program on blood gas testing frequency

BACKGROUND

Blood gas analysis is the most commonly ordered test in the intensive care unit. Each investigation, however, comes with risks and costs to the patient and healthcare system. Evidence suggests that many tests are performed with no appropriate clinical indication.

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of our prospective interventional study was to investigate the proportion of blood gases undertaken with a valid clinical indication before and after an educational intervention. A secondary aim was to examine sleep interruption secondary to blood gas sampling.

METHODS

A prospective, before-and-after interventional study was conducted across two metropolitan intensive care units in Melbourne, Australia. Adults aged ≥18 years who were admitted to intensive care were eligible for inclusion. Two observation periods were conducted across a 2-week period in May and September 2022 (Periods 1 and 2), where clinicians were encouraged to record the purpose of blood gas sampling and other relevant data via an electronic questionnaire. These data were reviewed with corresponding electronic medical records. In between these periods, an interventional educational program to inform the clinical rationale for blood gas testing was delivered during July and August 2022, including introduction of a clinical guideline.

RESULTS

There were 68 patients with 688 tests included in Period 1 compared to 69 patients with 756 tests in Period 2. There was no significant difference between the median number of blood gas analyses performed per patient before and after the educational intervention (6.0 tests per patient vs 5.0 tests per patient, p = 0.609). However, there was a significant increase in the percentage of tests with a valid clinical indication (49.0% vs 59.7%, p = 0.0025). The most common indications selected were routine measurement, monitoring a clinical value, change in ventilator settings/oxygen therapy, and clinical deterioration. In addition, there were a large number of patients who were awakened upon drawing of a blood sample for analysis (26.1% for Period 1 and 37.6% for Period 2, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of an educational program resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of blood gases performed with an appropriate clinical indication. There was, however, no reduction in the overall number of blood gases performed.

Impacts of Different Noise Environments on Polysomnographic Monitoring Parameters and Sleep Quality Among Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND

Excessive noise levels may decrease patients' sleep quality and increase the risk of sleep disorders in patients. Given that only a few studies have been conducted on noise levels and sleep quality in hospitalized patients, this study investigated the effects of different noise environments on polysomnographic parameters and sleep in hospitalized patients. It also analyzed the factors associated with patients' sleep quality.

METHODS

A sample of 244 cases of hospitalized patients were retrospectively selected from March 2020 to March 2023. A total of 122 patients without ward noise reduction treatment were set as the control group. A total of 122 patients who were treated with ward noise reduction were set as the observation group. The polysomnographic monitoring parameters and sleep conditions levels were compared between the two groups, after which logistic regression was used to analyze the relevant factors that affected patients' sleep.

RESULTS

The incidence of noise level, rapid eye movement stage (R) phase proportion, nonrapid eye movement stage 1 (N1) phase proportion, and poorer sleep quality all had higher levels in the control group than in the observation group. In comparison, nonrapid eye movement stage 2 (N2) phase proportion, total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) were all lower than those in the observation group (P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the need for surgery, having diabetes mellitus, higher noise level and low N2 percentage levels were all associated factors affecting the sleep quality of patients.

CONCLUSION

Environments with higher levels of noise can lead to patients' poorer sleep quality. Thus, it is necessary to actively implement noise management measures to avoid higher noise levels and maintain good sleep quality among patients.

Intensive care unit interventions to promote sleep and circadian biology in reducing incident delirium: a scoping review

RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES

Despite plausible pathophysiological mechanisms, research is needed to confirm the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythm and delirium in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The objective of this review is to summarise existing studies promoting, in whole or in part, the normalisation of sleep and circadian biology and their impact on the incidence, prevalence, duration and/or severity of delirium in ICU.

METHODS

A sensitive search of electronic databases and conference proceedings was completed in March 2023. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies of any design that evaluated in-ICU non-pharmacological, pharmacological or mixed intervention strategies for promoting sleep or circadian biology and their association with delirium, as assessed at least daily. Data were extracted and independently verified.

RESULTS

Of 7886 citations, we included 50 articles. Commonly evaluated interventions include care bundles (n=20), regulation or administration of light therapy (n=5), eye masks and/or earplugs (n=5), one nursing care-focused intervention and pharmacological intervention (eg, melatonin and ramelteon; n=19). The association between these interventions and incident delirium or severity of delirium was mixed. As multiple interventions were incorporated in included studies of care bundles and given that there was variable reporting of compliance with individual elements, identifying which components might have an impact on delirium is challenging.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review summarises the existing literature as it relates to ICU sleep and circadian disruption (SCD) and delirium in ICU. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of ICU SCD promotion interventions in delirium mitigation.

The effects of ergonomic sleep mask use on sleep quality and comfort in intensive care patients

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the use of ergonomic sleep mask on sleep quality and comfort in intensive care patients. This randomised controlled experimental study was completed with 128 surgical intensive care patients (control = 64, experimental = 64). During the second night of their stay in the unit, ergonomic sleep masks were given to the patients in the experimental group, and earplugs and eye masks were given to the patients in the control group. A Patient information form, Visual analogue scale for discomfort, and the Richard-Campbell sleep questionnaire were used to collect data. While 51.6% of the patients were female, the mean age of the patients was 63.87 ± 14.94 years. The highest rates of patients had undergone cardiovascular surgery (28.9%) and general anaesthesia (57.8%). It was determined that the sleep quality of the patients in the experimental group was statistically and clinically significantly higher after the intervention (50.86 ± 21.46 vs 37.64 ± 14.97, t = -5.355, Cohen's d = 0.450, p < 0.001). Likewise, the patients who used ergonomic sleep masks had a statistically significantly lower mean VAS for Discomfort score, and their comfort level was higher (p < 0.001), but the difference was not clinically significant (Cohen's d = 0.208). The results of this study showed that the use of ergonomic sleep masks in surgical intensive care patients had a more positive effect on both the sleep quality and comfort levels of patients compared with earplugs and eye masks. The use of an ergonomic sleep mask is recommended in the early period to facilitate sleep and rest in surgical intensive care patients.

The efficacy of earplugs and eye masks for delirium severity and sleep quality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in cardiac intensive care units: A single-blind, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome with a wide range of possible causes and multiple complications in patients admitted to intensive care units. It is, therefore, necessary to seek appropriate and safe strategies to prevent and manage delirium. This study is intended to examine the efficacy of eye masks and earplugs for delirium severity and sleep quality in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting in a cardiac intensive care unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted on 114 patients who were consecutively enrolled and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received routine care plus eye masks and earplugs, and the control group received only routine care. The delirium severity and sleep quality were measured with the Neelon and Champagne confusion scale and the Verran and Snyder-Halpern sleep scale.

RESULTS

The mean delirium severity score differed significantly between the two groups on the second, third, and fourth postoperative days (p < 0.001). Although the trend of changes in the mean delirium severity score from the first postoperative day (before the intervention) to the second, third, and fourth postoperative days was downward in the two groups (trending towards higher delirium severity), the control group experienced greater changes than the experimental group. An intragroup analysis of delirium severity detected a statistically significant difference in both the experimental and control groups (p < 0.001). The sleep quality domains (sleep disturbance, sleep effectiveness, sleep supplementation) showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups across the three intervention days (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The overnight use of eye masks and earplugs were found to have positive effects on sleep quality domains (sleep disturbance, sleep effectiveness, sleep supplementation) and delirium severity in coronary artery bypass grafting patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit for several days. It was also found that a significant interaction effect between the sleep disturbance subscale and delirium severity exists.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

(https://en.irct.ir): IRCT20210523051370N2.

Different nursing interventions on sleep quality among critically ill patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients in intensive care often struggle with disrupted sleep, a prevalent issue in this population. However, the question of which non-pharmacological intervention is most effective in enhancing sleep quality remains unanswered. This study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate and compare the efficacy of various non-pharmacological interventions aimed at improving sleep quality among critically ill individuals.

METHODS

We conducted a search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) without language restrictions to identify articles published until July 15, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated various nursing interventions designed to improve sleep quality in critically ill patients were included in this network meta-analysis. All analyses were performed using R software (version 3.4.3) with the "gemtc" package.

RESULTS

A total of 2036 patients from 31 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis, involving 11 different nursing interventions (routine care, relaxation combined with imagery (RI), nursel, music + earplugs + eye masks, music, eye masks, earplugs + eye masks, earplugs, aromatherapy, Warm footbath combined with acupoint exercise (WFA), Virtual reality meditation (VR)). Eye masks and earplugs + eye masks were associated with improved sleep quality compared to routine care intervention (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, eye masks and earplugs + eye masks stand out as the most effective interventions for enhancing sleep quality in critically ill patients. Therefore, critical care nurses should consider incorporating the use of eye masks alone or combining music with eye masks into the sleep care regimen for critically ill patients.

Effectiveness of sleep interventions to reduce delirium in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To analyze the effectiveness of sleep interventions in reducing the incidence and duration of delirium in the ICU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for relevant randomized controlled trials from inception to August 2022. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two investigators. Data from the included studies were analyzed using Stata and TSA software.

RESULTS

Fifteen randomized controlled trials were eligible. Meta-analysis showed that the sleep intervention was associated with a reduced incidence of delirium in the ICU (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.93, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The results of the trial sequence analysis further confirm that sleep interventions are effective in reducing the occurrence of delirium. Pooled data from the three dexmedetomidine trials showed significant differences in the incidence of ICU delirium between groups (RR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.59, p < 0.001). The respective pooled results of other sleep interventions (e.g., light therapy, earplugs, melatonin, and multicomponent nonpharmacologic treatments) did not find a significant effect on reducing the incidence and duration of ICU delirium (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggests that non-pharmacological sleep interventions are not effective in preventing delirium in ICU patients. However, limited by the number and quality of included studies, future well-designed multicenter randomized controlled trials are still needed to validate the results of this study.

Diagnostic Value of the Bispectral Index to Assess Sleep Quality after Elective Surgery in Intensive Care Unit

Purpose

Monitoring and improving sleep quality may help recovery from major illness. Polysomnography is a gold standard for measuring sleep quality, but routine use is not practical. The goal of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of an alternative monitor, the Bispectral Index (BIS), for evaluating the quality of sleep-in postoperative patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Study design

An observational study.

Materials and methods

Patients admitted to postoperative ICU after elective major noncardiac surgery were monitored with both BIS and PSG during the first night. The temporally synchronized data from both monitors were obtained for measurement of the association. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with different postoperative sleep quality.

Results

Thirty-three patients were enrolled in this study. For determining the average BIS index associated with good postoperative sleep quality, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was generated. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.65. The cutoff with best discriminability was 75 with a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 56%. Compared with those with good and poor postoperative sleep quality, there were no differences in main postoperative outcomes including duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. Although the quality of sleep after surgery of all subjects with postoperative delirium was poor, the incidence of delirium between the groups did not significantly differ (0% vs 10.3%; p = 0.184).

Conclusion

The monitoring of BIS is a viable tool for evaluating sleep quality in mechanically ventilated patients in the postoperative ICU with acceptable precision.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.in.th, TCTR20200310005.

How to cite this article

Sirilaksanamanon P, Thawitsri T, Charuluxananan S, Chirakalwasan N. Diagnostic Value of the Bispectral Index to Assess Sleep Quality after Elective Surgery in Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(11):795-800.

Does improving sleep for the critically ill reduce the incidence and duration of delirium? An evidence-based review

Delirium is associated with poor patient outcome. Critical-care nurses maintain that patients with disrupted sleep appear to develop delirium. We sought to explore whether improving sleep in the critically ill patients reduced the incidence and duration of delirium. Our review of five relevant studies suggests that there is low-quality evidence that improving sleep may reduce the incidence of delirium. The bidirectional association between delirium and sleep stymies research in this area, and thus, establishing cause and effect, is difficult. Research exploring other patient-centred outcomes, such as pain intensity, suggests that enhancing sleep may improve these outcomes.

Causes, Consequences, and Treatments of Sleep and Circadian Disruption in the ICU: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement

Background: Sleep and circadian disruption (SCD) is common and severe in the ICU. On the basis of rigorous evidence in non-ICU populations and emerging evidence in ICU populations, SCD is likely to have a profound negative impact on patient outcomes. Thus, it is urgent that we establish research priorities to advance understanding of ICU SCD. Methods: We convened a multidisciplinary group with relevant expertise to participate in an American Thoracic Society Workshop. Workshop objectives included identifying ICU SCD subtopics of interest, key knowledge gaps, and research priorities. Members attended remote sessions from March to November 2021. Recorded presentations were prepared and viewed by members before Workshop sessions. Workshop discussion focused on key gaps and related research priorities. The priorities listed herein were selected on the basis of rank as established by a series of anonymous surveys. Results: We identified the following research priorities: establish an ICU SCD definition, further develop rigorous and feasible ICU SCD measures, test associations between ICU SCD domains and outcomes, promote the inclusion of mechanistic and patient-centered outcomes within large clinical studies, leverage implementation science strategies to maximize intervention fidelity and sustainability, and collaborate among investigators to harmonize methods and promote multisite investigation. Conclusions: ICU SCD is a complex and compelling potential target for improving ICU outcomes. Given the influence on all other research priorities, further development of rigorous, feasible ICU SCD measurement is a key next step in advancing the field.

Sound and Light Levels in a General Intensive Care Unit Without Windows to Provide Natural Light

BACKGROUND

Appropriate levels and patterns of sound and light in an intensive care room help to maintain the patient's normal physiological functions. High sound levels can disrupt the patient's normal sleep architecture, cause hearing deficits, and induce the onset of delirium. Intensive care unit patients frequently report poor sleep, partly due to the environment.

OBJECTIVES

An observational pilot prospective study was designed to record sound pressure and light pollution levels in an Italian intensive care unit, without windows to provide natural light.

METHOD

Sound levels were measured in decibel A (dBA) every 10 seconds. Sound data were analyzed for sound peak, defined as the number of times sound levels exceeded 45, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85 dBA. Light measures were taken every 10 seconds on a continuous basis. Light data were analyzed for light "peaks," defined as the number of times light levels exceeded 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 lux.

RESULTS

The overall median sound level during the study period was equal to 54.60 (interquartile range [IQR], 51.70-57.70) dBA. The daytime median sound level was 56.00 (IQR, 53.00-59.50) dBA, and the nighttime median was 53.00 (IQR, 49.50-55.20) dBA (P < .001). The overall median light level was equal to 114 (IQR, 0-225) lux. The daytime median light level was 184 (IQR, 114-293) lux, and the nighttime median was 0 (IQR, 0-50) lux (P < .001). With respect to room lighting, rooms were observed to have "no lights on" 12.6% of daytime and 41% of nighttime.

DISCUSSION

The sound levels recorded in our sample demonstrated that peaks >45 dBA during daytime and nighttime are, respectively, equal to 99.9% and 98.6% of all readings. The Environmental Protection Agency/World Health Organization recommended thresholds for both day (45 dBA) and night (35 dBA). Sound levels reached "toxic levels" when sound-generating activities were performed by nurses and physicians.

An Automated Algorithm for Determining Sleep Using Single-Channel Electroencephalography to Detect Delirium: A Prospective Observational Study in Intensive Care Units

The relationship between polysomnography-based objective sleep and delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is inconsistent across studies, suggesting limitations in manually determining the sleep stage of critically ill patients. We objectively measured 24-h sleep using a single-channel electroencephalogram (SleepScope [SS]) and an under-mattress sleep monitor (Nemuri SCAN [NSCAN]), both of which have independent algorithms that automatically determine sleep and wakefulness. Eighteen patients (median age, 68 years) admitted to the ICU after valvular surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting were included, and their sleep time was measured one day after extubation. The median total sleep times (TSTs) measured by SS (TST-SS) and NSCAN were 548 (48−1050) and 1024 (462−1257) min, respectively. Two patients with delirium during the 24-h sleep measurement had very short TST-SS of 48 and 125 min, and the percentage of daytime sleep accounted for >80% in both SS and NSCAN. This preliminary case series showed marked sleep deprivation and increased rates of daytime sleeping in ICU patients with delirium. Although data accuracy from under-mattress sleep monitors is contentious, automated algorithmic sleep/wakefulness determination using a single-channel electroencephalogram may be useful in detecting delirium in ICU patients and could even be superior to polysomnography.

Informing the standardising of care for prolonged stay patients in the ICU: A scoping review of quality improvement tools

OBJECTIVES

To inform design of quality improvement (QI) tools specific to patients with prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay, we determined characteristics (format/content), development, implementation, and outcomes of published multi-component QI tools used in ICU irrespective of length of stay.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Scoping review searching electronic databases, trial registries and grey literature (January 2000 to January 2022).

RESULTS

We screened 58,378 citations, identifying 96 studies. All tools were designed for use commencing at ICU admission except 3 tools implemented at 3, 5 or 14 days. We identified 32 studies of locally developed checklists, 28 goal setting/structured communication templates, 23 care bundles, and 9 studies of mixed format tools. Most (43 %) tools were designed for use during rounds, fewer tools were designed for use throughout the ICU day (27 %) or stay (9 %). Most studies (55 %) reported process objectives i.e., improving communication, care standardisation, or rounding efficiency. Most common clinical processes QI tools were used to standardise were sedation (62, 65 %), ventilation and weaning (55, 57 %), and analgesia management (58, 60 %). 44 studies reported the effect of the tool on patient outcomes. Of these, only two identified a negative effect - increased ICU length of stay and increased ICU days with pain and delirium.

CONCLUSION

Although we identified numerous QI tools for use in ICU settings, few were designed to specifically address actionable processes of care relevant to the unique needs of prolonged ICU stay patients. Tools that address these needs are urgently required.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The review protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/, DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/Z8MRE.

Sleep assessment in critically ill adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To systematically review sleep evaluation, characterize sleep disruption, and explore effects of sleepdisruption on outcomes in adult ICU patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched databases from May 1969 to June 2021 (PROSPERO protocol number: CRD42020175581). Prospective and retrospective studies were included studying sleep in critically ill adults, excluding patients with sleep or psychiatric disorders. Meta-regression methods were applied when feasible.

RESULTS

132 studies (8797 patients) were included. Fifteen sleep assessment methods were identified, with only two validated. Patients had significant sleep disruption, with low sleep time, and low proportion of restorative rapid eye movement (REM). Sedation was associated with higher sleep efficiency and sleep time. Surgical versus medical patients had lower sleep quality. Patients on ventilation had a higher amount of light sleep. Meta-regression only suggested an association between total sleep time and occurrence of delirium (p < 0.001, 15 studies, 519 patients). Scarce data precluded further analyses. Sleep characterized with polysomnography (PSG) correlated well with actigraphy and Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep in critically ill patients is severely disturbed, and actigraphy and RCSQ seem reliable alternatives to PSG. Future studies should evaluate impact of sleep disruption on outcomes.

Adding Insult to Injury: Sleep Deficiency in Hospitalized Patients

Sleep deficiency is a common problem in the hospital setting. Contributing factors include preexisting medical conditions, illness severity, the hospital environment, and treatment-related effects. Hospitalized patients are particularly vulnerable to the negative health effects of sleep deficiency that impact multiple organ systems. Objective sleep measurement is difficult to achieve in the hospital setting, posing a barrier to linking improvements in hospital outcomes with sleep promotion protocols. Key next steps in hospital sleep promotion include improvement in sleep measurement techniques and harmonization of study protocols and outcomes to strengthen existing evidence and facilitate data interpretation across studies.

Effect of earplug/eye mask on sleep and delirium in intensive care patients

BACKGROUND

Environmental factors such as loud sounds and bright lights in intensive care units can cause sleep disorders and delirium.

AIM

The present study aims to investigate the effects of the overnight use of earplugs and eye masks by intensive care patients on their sleep quality and the degree of delirium.

STUDY DESIGN

This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted on the patients admitted to a coronary intensive care unit.

METHODS

The patients in the experimental group used earplugs and eye masks during the night, while those in the control group received only routine care. Data were collected using an information form, the Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire (RCSQ), and the intensive care delirium screening checklist (ICDSC).

RESULTS

The study included a total of 84 patients, 42 in the experimental group and 42 in the control group. The baseline average score of the patients in the experiment group on the RCSQ was 40.11 ± 16.55, with a Time 1 average score of 64.09 ± 14.07 and a Time 2 average score of 72.07 ± 11.75; their baseline average score on the ICDSC was 0.47 ± 0.50, with a Time 1 average score of 0.33 ± 065 and a Time 2 average score of 0.19 ± 039. The baseline average score of the patients in the control group on the RCSQ was 44.07 ± 7.30, with a Time 1 average score of 46.97 ± 9.22 and a Time 2 average score of 47.04 ± 11.53; the baseline average score of the control group on the ICDSC was 0.42 ± 0.50, with a Time 1 average score of 0.50 ± 0.70 and a Time 2 average score of 0.57 ± 0.66. A statistically significant difference was found between the Time 1 and Time 2 average scores of the experimental and control groups on the RCSQ and between the Time 2 average scores of the experimental and control groups on the ICDSC (U = 198.00, P < .001; U = 70.000, P < .001; U = 614.000, P = ·004 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The earplugs and eye masks used by the intensive care patients overnight were associated with an increase in sleep quality and a decrease in the degree of delirium.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The use of earplugs and eye masks is recommended for intensive care units in supporting sleep quality and preventing delirium.

Sleep-Promotion Bundle Development, Implementation, and Evaluation in Critically Ill Adults: Roles for Pharmacists

OBJECTIVE

To review evidence for intensive care unit (ICU) sleep improvement bundle use, identify preferred sleep bundle components and implementation strategies, and highlight the role for pharmacists in developing and evaluating bundle efforts.

DATA SOURCES

Multiple databases were searched from January 1, 1990, to September 1, 2021, using the MeSH terms sleep, intensive care or critical care, protocol or bundle to identify comparative studies evaluating ICU sleep bundle implementation.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Study screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias evaluation were conducted in tandem. The ICU quality improvement literature and Institute for Healthcare Improvement bundle improvement guidance were also reviewed to identify recommended strategies for successful sleep bundle use.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Nine studies (3 randomized, 1 quasi-experimental, 5 before-and-after) were identified. Bundle elements varied and were primarily focused on nonpharmacological interventions designed to be performed during either the day or night; only 2 studies included a medication-based strategy. Five studies were associated with reduced delirium; 2 studies were associated with improved total sleep time and 2 with improved patient-perceived sleep. Pharmacists were involved directly in 4 studies.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

Sleep improvement bundles are recommended for use in all critically ill adults; specific bundle elements and ICU team member roles should be individualized at the institution/ICU level. Pharmacists can help lead bundle development efforts and routinely deliver key elements.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacists can play an important role in the development and implementation of ICU sleep bundles. Further research regarding the relative benefit of individual bundle elements on relevant patient outcomes is needed.

Phenotypes and subphenotypes of delirium: a review of current categorisations and suggestions for progression

Delirium is a clinical syndrome occurring in heterogeneous patient populations. It affects 45-87% of critical care patients and is often associated with adverse outcomes including acquired dementia, institutionalisation, and death. Despite an exponential increase in delirium research in recent years, the pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in the clinical presentation of delirium are still hypotheses. Efforts have been made to categorise the delirium spectrum into clinically meaningful subgroups (subphenotypes), using psychomotor subtypes such as hypoactive, hyperactive, and mixed, for example, and also inflammatory and non-inflammatory delirium. Delirium remains, however, a constellation of symptoms resulting from a variety of risk factors and precipitants with currently no successful targeted pharmacological treatment. Identifying specific clinical and biological subphenotypes will greatly improve understanding of the relationship between the clinical symptoms and the putative pathways and thus risk factors, precipitants, natural history, and biological mechanism. This will facilitate risk factor mitigation, identification of potential methods for interventional studies, and informed patient and family counselling. Here, we review evidence to date and propose a framework to identify subphenotypes. Endotype identification may be done by clustering symptoms with their biological mechanism, which will facilitate research of targeted treatments. In order to achieve identification of delirium subphenotypes, the following steps must be taken: (1) robust records of symptoms must be kept at a clinical level. (2) Global collaboration must facilitate large, heterogeneous research cohorts. (3) Patients must be clustered for identification, validation, and mapping of subphenotype stability.

Updated Perspectives on the Management of Sleep Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit

Sleep disorders and circadian dysrhythmias are extremely prevalent in critically ill patients. Impaired sleep has a variety of etiologies, exhibits a wide range of negative effects and, moreover, might deteriorate the patient's prognosis. Despite a number of scientific findings and increased awareness, the importance of sleep optimization is still lower on the list of priories in the intensive care unit (ICU). The techniques of measuring and the evaluation of sleep quantity and quality are a great challenge in the ICU setting. The subjective and objective tools of sleep validation continue to suffer from deficiencies. Treatment approaches to improve the critically ill patient's sleep have focused on non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies with some promising results. But pharmacological interventions alone could not provide sufficient patient benefit. Being aware and knowing of sleep problems and the beneficial effect of the necessary therapies in ICU patients requires greater acceptance. The application of available methods and the development of new methods to prevent sleep disorders in the ICU offer the potential to improve the critically ill patient's outcome.