The effect of range of motion exercises on delirium prevention among patients aged 65 and over in intensive care units

Effects of non-pharmacologic prevention on delirium in critically ill patients: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a common complication among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is important to prevent the occurrence of delirium in critically ill patients.

AIM

This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions and determine what combination of these is effective in preventing delirium among Intensive Care Unit patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis. This review follows the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta Analysis statements for Network Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-NMA). Data sources included the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature., MEDLINE, and Cochrane library databases. The integrated data were investigated with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), using the random-effects Mantel-Haenszel model. Data were considered significant when p < 0.05. Furthermore, to reveal what combination of care is effective, we performed a network meta-analysis estimated OR, 95% CI.

RESULTS

We identified three randomized controlled trials and eight controlled before-after trials (11 in total, with 2549 participants). The pooled data from 11 trials of multicomponent intervention had a significant effect on delirium prevention (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44-0.76, p < 0.001). As a result of network meta-analysis, two bundles were effective compared to the control group in reducing the incidence of delirium: a) the combination of sleep promotion (SP), cognitive stimulation (CS), early mobilization (EM), pain control (PC), and assessment (AS) (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.35-0.64, p < 0.002), and b) the combination of SP and CS (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.75, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that non-pharmacological interventions, particularly multicomponent interventions, helped to prevent delirium in critically ill patients. In the network meta-analysis, the most effective care combination for reducing incidence of delirium was found to be multicomponent intervention, which comprises SP-CS-EM-PC-AS, and SP-CS.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

These findings reveal an efficient combination of multicomponent interventions for preventing delirium, which may be a very important prerequisite in planning care programs in the future.

Investigating the impact of physical activity interventions on delirium outcomes in intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

To investigate the impact of physical activity interventions, including early mobilisation, on delirium outcomes in critically ill patients.

Methods

Electronic database literature searches were conducted, and studies were selected based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions quality assessment tools were utilised. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations was used to assess levels of evidence for delirium outcomes. The study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020210872).

Results

Twelve studies were included; ten randomised controlled trials one observational case-matched study and one before-after quality improvement study. Only five of the included randomised controlled trial studies were judged to be at low risk of bias, with all others, including both non-randomised controlled trials deemed to be at high or moderate risk. The pooled relative risk for incidence was 0.85 (0.62-1.17) which was not statistically significant in favour of physical activity interventions. Narrative synthesis for effect on duration of delirium found favour towards physical activity interventions reducing delirium duration with median differences ranging from 0 to 2 days in three comparative studies. Studies comparing varying intervention intensities showed positive outcomes in favour of greater intensity. Overall levels of evidence were low quality.

Conclusions

Currently there is insufficient evidence to recommend physical activity as a stand-alone intervention to reduce delirium in Intensive Care Units. Physical activity intervention intensity may impact on delirium outcomes, but a lack of high-quality studies limits the current evidence base.

The effect of non-pharmacologic strategies on prevention or management of intensive care unit delirium: a systematic review

Background: Post-operative delirium is a common complication among adult patients in the intensive care unit. Current literature does not support the use of pharmacologic measures to manage this condition, and several studies explore the potential for the use of non-pharmacologic methods such as early mobility plans or environmental modifications. The aim of this systematic review is to examine and report on recently available literature evaluating the relationship between non-pharmacologic management strategies and the reduction of delirium in the intensive care unit.

Methods: Six major research databases were systematically searched for articles analyzing the efficacy of non-pharmacologic delirium interventions in the past five years. Search results were restricted to adult human patients aged 18 years or older in the intensive care unit setting, excluding terminally ill subjects and withdrawal-related delirium. Following title, abstract, and full text review, 27 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and are included in this report.

Results: The 27 reviewed articles consist of 12 interventions with a single-component investigational approach, and 15 with multi-component bundled protocols. Delirium incidence was the most commonly assessed outcome followed by duration. Family visitation was the most effective individual intervention while mobility interventions were the least effective. Two of the three family studies significantly reduced delirium incidence, while one in five mobility studies did the same. Multi-component bundle approaches were the most effective of all; of the reviewed studies, eight of 11 bundles significantly improved delirium incidence and seven of eight bundles decreased the duration of delirium.

Conclusions: Multi-component, bundled interventions were more effective at managing intensive care unit delirium than those utilizing an approach with a single interventional element. Although better management of this condition suggests a decrease in resource burden and improvement in patient outcomes, comparative research should be performed to identify the importance of specific bundle elements.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of the effects of range of motion exercises and massage on muscle strength in critically ill patients

Background

Atrophy and muscle weakness is a common problem in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Muscle weakness in severe cases can lead to tetraplegia, reduced or lost tendon reflexes, delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation, physical disability, and increased mortality. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of range of motion exercises (ROM) and massage on muscle strength of the patients admitted to ICUs.

Methods

This study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in ICUs of Afzalipour hospital in Kerman, southeastern Iran. Ninety conscious ICU patients were randomly divided into three groups (massage, ROM exercises and control). The researcher/co-researcher massaged or did ROM exercises on the patients’ extremities once a day for seven consecutive days. Using a hand-held dynamometer, the co-researcher, rated the muscle strength before, on the fourth and seventh days of intervention at 8 p.m.

Results

The mean muscles strength of the right arm in the ROM exercise and massage groups increased by 0.63 kg, and 0.29 kg, respectively after the intervention compared with before the intervention. The muscle strength of the right arm in the control group reduced by 0.55 kg. The mean muscles strength of the left arm in the ROM exercise and massage groups increased by 0.61 kg and 0.28 kg after the intervention, respectively while it reduced by 0.56 kg in the control group. The mean muscles strength of the right leg in the ROM exercise and massage groups increased by 0.53 kg and 0.27 kg after the intervention compared with before the intervention while it reduced by 0.70 kg in the control group. The mean muscles strength of the left leg in the ROM exercise and massage groups increased by 0.54 kg and 0.26 kg after the intervention compared with before the intervention while it reduced by 0.71 kg in the control group.

Conclusion

The results of the present study showed that ROM exercises and massage were effective interventions in increasing muscle strength of the critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13102-022-00489-z.

Implementation of ABCDEF care bundle in intensive care units: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Delirium affects up to 80% of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with higher mortality, physical dependence, and health care costs. The 2018 pain, agitation, delirium, immobility, and sleep guideline recommended ABCDEF care bundle for delirium prevention and management. However, limited information is available regarding the adoption of the care bundle in ICUs in Mainland China.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To assess the current implementation of the ABCDEF care bundle for delirium prevention as reported by ICU nurses in Mainland China.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey using a validated questionnaire about the practices of the ABCDEF care bundle was conducted among 334 registered nurses in 167 ICUs of 65 cities in Mainland China.

RESULTS

Almost 50% of the sampled ICU nurses were unaware of the ABCDEF care bundle, though 86.83% of the surveyed ICUs implemented pain assessments and 95.51% implemented sedation assessments. Nearly half (46.41%) of the surveyed ICUs performed routine spontaneous awaking trials, with 21.26% performing them daily. Spontaneous breathing trials were performed in 38.32% of the surveyed ICUs. Only 47% of the surveyed ICUs routinely monitored patients for delirium. About one-third (38.35%) of the surveyed ICUs were supported by specialist teams that implemented the mobilization programmes. Most ICUs restricted the duration of family visits per day (<0.5 hour: 61.67%; 0.5-2 hours: 23.65%; >2 hours: 3.29%) and only 28.14% of the surveyed ICUs employed dedicated staff to support the families.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most of the surveyed ICUs implemented pain and sedation assessments, many of them did not implement structured delirium assessments. Early mobilization programmes and family participation should be encouraged.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Promoting the uses of a reliable delirium assessment tool such as Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit patients, building an early mobilization team, and engaging family caregivers in the care plan may contribute to improved patients' clinical outcomes.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to prevent delirium in critically ill patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of prevention interventions on delirium occurrence in critically ill adults.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Prospero, and WHO international clinical trial registry were searched from inception to April 8, 2021. Randomized controlled trials of pharmacological, sedation, non-pharmacological, and multi-component interventions enrolling adult critically ill patients were included. We performed conventional pairwise meta-analyses, NMA within Bayesian random effects modeling, and determined surface under the cumulative ranking curve values and mean rank. Reviewer pairs independently extracted data, assessed bias using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and evidence certainty with GRADE. The primary outcome was delirium occurrence; secondary outcomes were durations of delirium and mechanical ventilation, length of stay, mortality, and adverse effects.

RESULTS

Eighty trials met eligibility criteria: 67.5% pharmacological, 31.3% non-pharmacological and 1.2% mixed pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. For delirium occurrence, 11 pharmacological interventions (38 trials, N = 11,993) connected to the evidence network. Compared to placebo, only dexmedetomidine (21/22 alpha₂ agonist trials were dexmedetomidine) probably reduces delirium occurrence (odds ratio (OR) 0.43, 95% Credible Interval (CrI) 0.21-0.85; moderate certainty). Compared to benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine (OR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.08-0.51; low certainty), sedation interruption (OR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.06-0.69; very low certainty), opioid plus benzodiazepine (OR 0.27, 95% CrI 0.10-0.76; very low certainty), and protocolized sedation (OR 0.27, 95% CrI 0.09-0.80; very low certainty) may reduce delirium occurrence but the evidence is very uncertain. Dexmedetomidine probably reduces ICU length of stay compared to placebo (Ratio of Means (RoM) 0.78, CrI 0.64-0.95; moderate certainty) and compared to antipsychotics (RoM 0.76, CrI 0.61-0.98; low certainty). Sedative interruption, protocolized sedation and opioids may reduce hospital length of stay compared to placebo, but the evidence is very uncertain. No intervention influenced mechanical ventilation duration, mortality, or arrhythmia. Single and multi-component non-pharmacological interventions did not connect to any evidence networks to allow for ranking and comparisons as planned; pairwise comparisons did not detect differences compared to standard care.

CONCLUSION

Compared to placebo and benzodiazepines, we found dexmedetomidine likely reduced the occurrence of delirium in critically ill adults. Compared to benzodiazepines, sedation-minimization strategies may also reduce delirium occurrence, but the evidence is uncertain.

Effects of nonpharmacological delirium-prevention interventions on critically ill patients' clinical, psychological, and family outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Delirium is common in critically ill patients and may lead to severe complications, such as falls and injuries. Nonpharmacological interventions have been widely suggested to prevent delirium, yet the effects remain uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on preventing delirium and improving critically ill patients' clinical, psychological, and family outcomes.

METHODS

Ten databases were searched from their inception to September 2020. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality and extracted details of the included studies. The data were narratively or statistically pooled where appropriate. Dichotomous variables are presented as odds ratio (OR), and continuous variables are presented as mean difference (MD). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria were used to assess the quality of evidence for each review outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies (10 randomised controlled trials, eight controlled clinical trials, and 16 before-and-after studies) were included in the analysis. Low-certainty evidence indicated that nonpharmacological interventions reduced delirium incidence (OR = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.33, 0.55]), delirium duration (MD = -1.43 days, 95% CI [-1.94, 0.92]), and length of stay in the intensive care unit (MD = -1.24 days, 95% CI [-2.05, -0.43]). Moderate-certainty evidence demonstrated no effect on mortality. Narrative synthesis further implied improvements in patients' psychological recovery (two studies, very low-certainty evidence) and families' satisfaction with care (two studies, very low-certainty evidence) through nonpharmacological interventions. As for effective intervention types, moderate-certainty evidence demonstrates that early mobilisation (OR = 0.33, 95% CI [0.24, 0.46], five studies, 859 participants, I² = 24%), family participation (OR = 0.25, 95% CI [0.18, 0.34], four studies, 997 participants, I² = 21%), and use of multicomponent interventions (OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.34, 0.69], 13 studies, 3172 participants, I² = 77%) are associated with reduced incidence of delirium.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals are recommended to apply early mobilisation, family participation, or multicomponent interventions in clinical practice to prevent delirium. Further studies investigating the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on patients' psychological and family outcomes are warranted.

The effect of non-pharmacologic strategies on prevention or management of intensive care unit delirium: a systematic review

Background: Post-operative delirium is a common complication among adult patients in the intensive care unit. Current literature does not support the use of pharmacologic measures to manage this condition, and several studies explore the potential for the use of non-pharmacologic methods such as early mobility plans or environmental modifications. The aim of this systematic review is to examine and report on recently available literature evaluating the relationship between non-pharmacologic management strategies and the reduction of delirium in the intensive care unit. Methods: Six major research databases were systematically searched for articles analyzing the efficacy of non-pharmacologic delirium interventions in the past five years. Search results were restricted to adult human patients aged 18 years or older in the intensive care unit setting, excluding terminally ill subjects and withdrawal-related delirium. Following title, abstract, and full text review, 27 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and are included in this report. Results: The 27 reviewed articles consist of 12 interventions with a single-component investigational approach, and 15 with multi-component bundled protocols. Delirium incidence was the most commonly assessed outcome followed by duration. Family visitation was the most effective individual intervention while mobility interventions were the least effective. Two of the three family studies significantly reduced delirium incidence, while one in five mobility studies did the same. Multi-component bundle approaches were the most effective of all; of the reviewed studies, eight of 11 bundles significantly improved delirium incidence and seven of eight bundles decreased the duration of delirium. Conclusions: Multi-component, bundled interventions were more effective at managing intensive care unit delirium than those utilizing an approach with a single interventional element. Although better management of this condition suggests a decrease in resource burden and improvement in patient outcomes, comparative research should be performed to identify the importance of specific bundle elements.

The effect of non-pharmacologic strategies on prevention or management of intensive care unit delirium: a systematic review

Background: Post-operative delirium is a common complication among adult patients in the intensive care unit. Current literature does not support the use of pharmacologic measures to manage this condition, and several studies explore the potential for the use of non-pharmacologic methods such as early mobility plans or environmental modifications. The aim of this systematic review is to examine and report on recently available literature evaluating the relationship between non-pharmacologic management strategies and the reduction of delirium in the intensive care unit. Methods: Six major research databases were systematically searched for articles analyzing the efficacy of non-pharmacologic delirium interventions in the past five years. Search results were restricted to adult human patients aged 18 years or older in the intensive care unit setting, excluding terminally ill subjects and withdrawal-related delirium. Following title, abstract, and full text review, 27 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and are included in this report. Results: The 27 reviewed articles consist of 12 interventions with a single-component investigational approach, and 15 with multi-component bundled protocols. Delirium incidence was the most commonly assessed outcome followed by duration. Family visitation was the most effective individual intervention while mobility interventions were the least effective. Two of the three family studies significantly reduced delirium incidence, while one in five mobility studies did the same. Multi-component bundle approaches were the most effective of all; of the reviewed studies, eight of 11 bundles significantly improved delirium incidence and seven of eight bundles decreased the duration of delirium. Conclusions: Multi-component, bundled interventions were more effective at managing intensive care unit delirium than those utilizing an approach with a single interventional element. Although better management of this condition suggests a decrease in resource burden and improvement in patient outcomes, comparative research should be performed to identify the importance of specific bundle elements.

Non-pharmacological interventions to reduce the incidence and duration of delirium in critically ill patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare non-pharmacological interventions in their ability to prevent delirium in critically ill patients, and find the optimal regimen for treatment.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases until the end of June 2019. We estimated the risk ratios (RRs) for the incidence of delirium and in-hospital mortality and found the mean difference (MD) for delirium duration and the length of ICU stay. The probabilities of interventions were ranked based on clinical outcomes. The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020160757).

RESULTS

Twenty-six eligible studies were included in the network meta-analysis. Studies were grouped into seven intervention types: physical environment intervention (PEI), sedation reducing (SR), family participation (FP), exercise program (EP), cerebral hemodynamics improving (CHI), multi-component studies (MLT) and usual care (UC). In term of reducing the incidence of delirium, the two most effective interventions were FP (risk ratio (RR) 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.44; surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) = 94%) and MLT (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.57; SUCRA = 68%) compared with observation. Although all interventions demonstrated nonsignificant efficacy in regards to delirium duration and the length of the patient's stay in the ICU, MLT (SUCRA = 78.6% and 71.2%, respectively) was found to be the most effective intervention strategy. In addition, EP (SUCRA = 97.2%) facilitated a significant reduction in hospital mortality, followed in efficacy by MLT (SUCRA = 73.2%), CHI (SUCRA = 35.8%), PEI (SUCRA = 34.8%), and SR (SUCRA = 31.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Multi-component strategies are overall the optimal intervention techniques for preventing delirium and reducing ICU length of stay in critically ill patients by way of utilizing several interventions simultaneously. Additionally, family participation as a method of patient-centered care resulted in better outcomes for reducing the incidence of delirium.

The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing the incidence and duration of delirium in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions versus standard care on incidence and duration of delirium in critically ill patients.

METHODS

We searched electronic and grey literature for randomised clinical trials up to March 2018. Two reviewers independently screened, selected and extracted data. Meta-analysis was undertaken using random effects modelling.

RESULTS

We identified 15 trials (2812 participants). Eleven trials reported incidence of delirium. Pooled data from four trials of bright light therapy showed no significant effect between groups (n = 829 participants, RR 0.45, 99% CI 0.10-2.13, P = 0.19, very low quality evidence). Seven trials of various individual interventions also failed to report any significant effects. A total of eight trials reported duration of delirium. Pooled data from two trials of multicomponent physical therapy showed no significant effect [n = 404 participants, MD (days) - 0.65, 99% CI - 2.73 to 1.44, P = 0.42, low quality of evidence]. Four trials of various individual interventions also reported no significant effects. A trial of family voice reorientation showed a beneficial effect [n = 30, MD (days) - 1.30, 99% CI - 2.41 to - 0.19, P = 0.003, very low quality evidence].

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence does not support the use of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing incidence and duration of delirium in critically ill patients. Future research should consider well-designed and well-described multicomponent interventions and include adequately defined outcome measures.

Dose of Early Therapeutic Mobility: Does Frequency or Intensity Matter?

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the feasibility of a nurse-led mobility protocol and compare the effects of once- versus twice-daily episodes of early therapeutic mobility (ETM) and low- versus moderate-intensity ETM on serum biomarkers of inflammation and selected outcomes in critically ill adults.

DESIGN

Randomized interventional study with repeated measures and blinded assessment of outcomes.

SETTING

Four adult intensive care units (ICUs) in two academic medical centers.

SUBJECTS

Fifty-four patients with > 48 hr of mechanical ventilation (MV).

INTERVENTION

Patients were assigned to once- or twice-daily ETM via sealed envelope randomization at enrollment. Intensity of (in-bed vs. out-of-bed) ETM was administered according to protocolized patient assessment.

MEASUREMENTS

Interleukins 6, 10, 8, 15, and tumor necrosis factor-α were collected from serum before and after ETM; change scores were used in the analyses. Manual muscle and handgrip strength, delirium onset, duration of MV, and ICU length of stay (LOS) were evaluated as patient outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

Hypotheses regarding the inflammatory biomarkers were not supported based on confidence intervals. Twice-daily intervention was associated with reduced ICU LOS. Moderate-intensity (out-of-bed) ETM was associated with greater manual muscle test scores and handgrip strength and reduced occurrence of delirium.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study suggest that nurses can provide twice-daily mobility interventions that include sitting on the edge of the bed once patients have a stable status without altering a pro-inflammatory serum biomarker profile.

Acute Brain Failure: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Sequelae of Delirium

Delirium is the most common psychiatric syndrome found in the general hospital setting, with an incidence as high as 87% in the acute care setting. Delirium is a neurobehavioral syndrome caused by the transient disruption of normal neuronal activity secondary to systemic disturbances. The development of delirium is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, cost of care, hospital-acquired complications, placement in specialized intermediate and long-term care facilities, slower rate of recovery, poor functional and cognitive recovery, decreased quality of life, and prolonged hospital stays. This article discusses the epidemiology, known etiological factors, presentation and characteristics, prevention, management, and impact of delirium.

Prevention, recognition and management of delirium in patients who are critically ill

Delirium is common in patients who are critically ill, often resulting in extended hospital stays and increased mortality and morbidity. There are several subtypes of delirium, which are often undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in suboptimal patient outcomes. This article examines delirium in patients in the intensive care unit, including its signs and symptoms, incidence, causes and subtypes. It outlines the assessment of delirium and the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that can be used to manage the condition, as well as describing the optimal prevention measures.