The effect of phsycal environmental regulation in intensive care unit on delirium

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of environmental stimuli management on delirium in intensive care unit as a quasi-experimental between 07.10.2017 and 11.07.2018. In dates, 198 patients who were monitored in Abant Izzet Baysal University Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital, Anesthesia and Resuscitation-2 Intensive Care Unit constitude population of the study, while a total of 60 patients, 30 patients were in intervention group and 30 patients were in control group, constituted the sample of the study. The data collected using the Patient Information Form and Level of Noise-Heat and Moisture Monitoring Form which were created by examining the literature by the researcher and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), Confusion Assessment Method in The Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). The care and treatment of the patients in the control group were provided under the current conditions in the unit. For the next 30 patients sound level of the environment was kept between 40 dB in the daytime and 35 dB at night, temperature was 22-240C and humidity was 30-60%. In addition, patients if had glasses or hearing aids were provided to use them; the clock and calendar had large written were hung to where they can easily see; bright light with daylight lamp was apllied to them for 2 hours in the day and provided with visit by their family. The experimental and control groups were homogenous in terms of socio-demographic and medical characteristics. The heat difference between the groups was not significant (p=0.06), however, the average of sound and moisture were found to be significant in favour of the experimental group (p<0.05). Also the risk of delirium was found to be 2.32 times more significantly in the control group (p=0.026). As a result, the control of environmental stimuli, which is one of important nursing interventions can be reduced the risk of developing delirium was scientifically proven in this study. In line with the findings may be recommended the dissemination of use of environmental regulations in order to primary prevention of the delirium in the intensive care unit. Keywords: Delirium, Nursing, Critical Care, Environment