Delirium is frequently under recognised and treated. Internationally delirium prevalence rates in Intensive care Units(ICUs) are as high as 55%. ICU delirium is associated with increased mortality, longer length of ICU stay and more days spent on mechanical ventilation. The Confusion Assessment Method for ICU (CAM-ICU) is the recommended tool to assess for ICU delirium. This research project investigates the prevalence of delirium in ICU across four years, before during and after the covid pandemic. This involved quantitative and qualitative evaluation, educational interventions and qualitative evaluation of focus groups with key nursing and medical stakeholders in the ICU setting. Phase 1 evaluation (n=152) found 17% prevalence of delirium, phase 2, n=162 delirium prevalence was 13%, phase 3 prevalence, n=71 delirium prevalence was 32%. A number of initiatives included building a new ICU, environmental improvements, managing noise, engaging health and social care professionsals eg Physios with early mobilising (even sitting out while ventilated), educational interventions have taken place.
Methodology mixed quantitative and qualitative. Initial updated literature review has highlighted bundles of care, intervening in the ICU setting which could be implemented. These lead to improved outcomes. There will be a further retrospective review of the anonymised ICU electronic record data for Jan to June 2025 for all patients admitted to ICU, an 8 bed unit in a Model 3 Hospital. There will be focus groups with the current ICU team also now including Health and Social Care Professionals to get a broader perspective and including barriers and opportunities including feasability of bundles of care. Focus group discussion will be transcribed and analysed using NVIVO software with thematic analysis identifying key themes. Improved detection and intervention leads to improved outcomes. This research in previous years has led to improved detection