Structured Information During the Intensive Care Unit Stay

A Randomized Controlled Multi Center Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Structured Information Program During ICU Stay

The purpose of this study is to test whether a structured information program at the beginning of the ICU-stay is effective to reduce ICU related anxiety and discomfort.

The trial is designed as a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial including an intervention and a control group. The control group receives an unspecific conversation. The intervention group receives a standardized information program with specific procedural, sensory and coping information about the ICU. Anxiety will be measured with a VAS during ICU stay and with a questionnaire after ICU discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective open heart or abdominal surgery including scheduled ICU stay
• Heart or abdominal surgery or internal patients with non-scheduled ICU stay
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Reduced sensual perception
• Cognitive impairment
• Not able to answer a questionnaire (e.g. illiterate)
• Lying in the same room with another patient already included