We present the results of a prospective, non-interventional, observational cohort study that was conducted on two ICUs of a tertiary care medical centre. We assessed delirium monitoring and outcome parameters on a daily basis. Of 355 screened patients, we included 185 surgical ICU patients into our final analysis of which 87 were mechanically ventilated.
Read MoreSilencing the ICU /
Considering all available evidence, we redesigned two ICU rooms with the aim of investigating the physiological and clinical impact of a healing environment, including a noise reduction and day-night variations of sound level. Within an experimental design, we recorded 96 h of sound-pressure levels in standard ICU rooms and the modified ICU rooms. In addition, we performed a sound source observation by human observers.
New ICU Environment for Critically Ill Patients /
This report was broadcast on May 19 2016 and is available in German only.
Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit /
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.
Teresa Nauber highlights the importance of delirium prevention strategies and the need for a person-centered ICU environment.