The Effects of a Model-based Sensory Stimulation Intervention on Preventing Delirium Among Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

The Effects of a Model-based Sensory Stimulation Intervention on Preventing Delirium Among Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Delirium is highly associated with adverse clinical outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, including increased cognitive impairment, duration of intubation, ICU length of stay, mortality, physical dependence, and health care costs. This randomised controlled study will firstly develop a family-supported sensory stimulation package based on the literature review as well as the findings of the cross-sectional survey and the in-depth interview. The intervention effects than will be evaluated using outcomes including delirium incidence, delirium duration, delirium severity, ICU patients' consciousness and cognitive function as well as family members' satisfaction and anxiety. This study is expected to provide evidence of the effectiveness of family-supported sensory stimulation on preventing delirium among ICU patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ≥ 18 years
• the first time admitted to ICU
• a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score ≥-3

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with stroke, dementia, delirium or acute psychiatric illness at admission
• diagnosed with end-stage of cancer
• severe hearing impairment and cannot be corrected by hearing aids
• admitted to ICU with radiative material.