When a patient is in an intensive care unit, they often struggle with delirium. This state of confusion makes it hard for them to stay alert or communicate. New data from a large review of trials suggests that sensory stimulation can help these patients regain their focus and stay clearer-headed.
The study looked at over 1,500 patients in intensive care settings. The results showed that those who received sensory stimulation had better levels of consciousness and experienced less delirium overall. These patients also saw a decrease in the total amount of time they spent in a delirious state and were able to wake up faster.
Not all stimulation is equal, however. The data suggests that when family members provide the stimulation, it works better than when nurses do it alone. Using multiple types of senses at once is also more effective than using just one. To see these benefits, the study suggests a schedule of at least two sessions a day for at least seven days.
Common questions
What is sensory stimulation in an ICU setting?
Sensory stimulation involves using different senses to engage a patient. The study found that multisensory stimulation, which uses more than one sense at once, is more effective than single-modality stimulation. This approach can improve a patient's level of consciousness and help them stay more alert.
Who provides the best results for these patients?
The data suggests that when family members provide the sensory stimulation, it is more effective than when nurses provide it. To get the best results, the study indicates an intervention period of at least 7 days with twice-daily frequency may be optimal.
How does this treatment affect delirium?
Patients receiving sensory stimulation showed a significant reduction in the incidence of delirium and a shorter duration of delirium. These patients also had shortened awakening times, meaning they were able to wake up more quickly than those who received routine care.
