Investigating the effect of implementing a sensory stimulation program by family members on delirium status of brain injury patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit: A randomized clinical trial

Family involvement in preventing delirium in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Humanized care is a novel concept in the prevention of delirium, with family involvement being a crucial component. Currently, there is controversy regarding the effectiveness of family involvement in preventing delirium among critically ill patients, and the impact of varying levels of family involvement on delirium prevention remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is twofold: (a) to investigate the influence of family involvement on delirium among critically ill patients, and (b) to explore the effectiveness of different levels of family involvement in preventing delirium in these patients.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

From database inception to July 2024, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane CENTRAL database. Randomized controlled trials that examined family involvement were included in the review.

RESULTS

This review included a total of 11 randomized controlled trials, encompassing 3113 critically ill patients. Family involvement was found to significantly reduce the incidence of delirium among critically ill patients (RR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.31 to 0.69), decrease the duration of delirium (WMD = -2.18, 95 % CI = -4.14 to -0.22), and shorten the length of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay (WMD = -1.46, 95%CI = -2.43 to -0.50). Three different levels of family involvement-direct participation in care (RR = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.26 to 0.51), family visits and companionship (RR = 0.56, 95 % CI = 0.25 to 1.25), and indirect participation (RR = 0.77, 95 % CI = 0.29 to 2.07)-varies in their effectiveness for delirium prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Family involvement significantly impacts delirium prevention in critically ill patients. The effectiveness of delirium prevention varies depending on the level of family involvement, with direct participation of family members in caregiving demonstrating a more pronounced effect in reducing delirium incidence among critically ill patients.

REGISTRATION

The review protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42024563095).

Exploring patients' and families' preferences for auditory stimulation in ICU delirium prevention: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the preferences of patients and families for delirium prevention by auditory stimulation in intensive care units.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

One-on-one, face-to-face, semistructured interviews with 17 participants (6 patients and 11 family members) were conducted at a step-down unit in a tertiary general hospital using a descriptive qualitative design. The data were analyzed via inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four major themes and ten subthemes emerged from the interviews: (1) reality orientation; (2) emotional support; (3) links to the outside; and (4) promising future.

CONCLUSIONS

The results in this qualitative study shed light on patients' and families' preferences for auditory stimulation in preventing ICU delirium. The participation of family members plays a crucial role in preventing ICU delirium. Family members can assist patients in reducing confusion about the situation by providing accurate and clear reality orientation. The emotional support and promising future provided by family members can help patients regain confidence and courage, which are often lacking in ICU patients. Linking patients to the outside world helps them stay connected, understand what is happening outside and reduce feelings of isolation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

These findings can help health care staff gain insight into patients' and families' preferences and needs for auditory stimulation. Furthermore, these findings pave the way for crafting effective auditory interventions.