Data from our recently published survey indicate that awareness concerning a systematic management of delirium, sedation and analgesia in ICU patients is increasing. Fourty-four percent of ICUs that participated in our survey reported to routinely monitor for delirium with a validated score. Thirty-five percent had implemented validated scores for delirium, sedation and analgesia.
More importantly, on the day of survey, only 27% of patients were actually monitored for delirium with a validated score. This discrepancy between observed practice and perceived practice is significant and shows a wide gap between what we think we do and what we really do. Further studies will be necessary to assess and evaluate implementation strategies and improve clinical practice.