Delirium detection in ICU adults using validated assessment instruments

ICU Delirium -- Type Of Study

Clinical Question

The PICOT question that will be evaluated in this study is, "Does the use of a validated delirium assessment instrument (intervention) improve delirium detection (outcome) among adults in the ICU (population) as compared multicomponent interventions (comparison) within a 6-month period (timeline)?"

The clinical question demonstrates that the study will involve conducting a comparison of the impact of a validated delirium assessment instrument vis-a-vis multicomponent interventions with regards to delirium detection among adults in intensive care units. Therefore, the most suitable way for conducting the comparison is through an experiment. In this regard, this research will be an experimental study in which study participants will be randomly assigned to different intervention groups i.e. the experimental and control groups (Research Connections, 2016). The research will then observe the participants' response to the interventions to determine the impact of the interventions in enhancing delirium detection among adults in ICUs.

Clinical Issue

ICU delirium is a common condition in intensive care units and characterized by acute brain dysfunction (Girard, Pandharipande & Ely, 2008). This condition has become a major issue in the modern healthcare environment because approximately 80% of intensive care unit populations are suffering or are likely to suffer from delirium. Severely ill patients, particularly adults in intensive care units are more likely to suffer from this condition. While healthcare professionals have recognized that delirium is common in ICUs, the detection of this condition has been relatively difficult. Therefore, enhancing the detection of this condition among severely ill adults in ICUs is vital. This paper focuses on examining whether the use of a validated delirium screening instrument enhances delirium detection among adults in ICUs. The clinical question for the study is, "Does the use of a validated delirium assessment instrument (intervention) improve delirium detection (outcome) among adults in the ICU (population) as compared multicomponent interventions (comparison) within a 6-month period (timeline)?"

The intervention that the researcher plans to evaluate is Confusion Assessment Method as a validated delirium screening instrument to improve detection of this condition. The effectiveness of this instrument in improving delirium detection among adults in ICUs will be tested in comparison with multicomponent interventions. The researcher will conduct an experimental study because it will help test and compare the effectiveness of the intervention through observing two different treatment groups.