Risk Factors for Delirium in Trauma Intensive Care Unit Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This descriptive study aimed to present the incidence of delirium and identify risk factors for delirium in Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU) patients. Methods: The participants were 184 patients who were hospitalized in the TICU at a Regional Trauma Center in Gyeonggi-do. Data were collected between April and November 2019. For delirium measurement, the author used the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). Diverse dependent variables were collected through electronic medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, x2-test, and binomial logistic regression. Results: Incidence of delirium in TICU patients was 34.8%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for delirium in TICU patients were hemoglobin (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.62, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.43~0.88), injury severity score (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.01~1.20), length of TICU stay (OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.03~1.29), administered sedatives (OR=6.04, 95% CI=2.47~14.76), and use of restraints (OR=5.75, 95% CI=2.29~14.42). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, healthcare providers, especially TICU nurses, should try to detect the signs and symptoms of delirium as early as possible, taking into account the specified risk factors of the patient. Preventive and practical intervention programs considering the risk factors must also be developed to prevent and alleviate delirium in TICU patients in the future.