The Intensive Care Unit is a potentially hostile environment to the vulnerable critically ill patient. In addition to the physical stress of illness, pain, sedation, interventions, and mechanical ventilation, there are psychological and psychosocial stressors perceived by these patients. The ICU environment, one of the newly identified factors, is also thought to contribute to the syndrome known as ICU delirium.
Teresa Nauber highlights the importance of delirium prevention strategies and the need for a person-centered ICU environment that is inclusive of the needs of patients, families and staff.
The article is available in German only - DOWNLOAD