Music Intervention for Delirium and Comfort in Mechanically Ventilated Neuroscience ICU Patients
Faculty Mentor
Patricia Nadraus
Area of Research
Nursing
Major
Nursing
Description
INTRODUCTION: Mechanically ventilated patients in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) face a high risk of discomfort and delirium due to the complex nature of their critical condition, invasive procedures, and communication barriers. Delirium is linked with prolonged hospital stays and poorer outcomes, making it a critical focus of nursing care. Existing literature highlights the potential benefits of music therapy as a nonpharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety, stress, and delirium in ICU patients, there remains a knowledge gap regarding patient-centered music interventions in Mechanically Ventilated Neuro ICU population.
METHOD: This study aims to address this gap by implementing a 60-minute daily individualized music therapy protocol and evaluating its effects on delirium and patient comfort. A randomized controlled trial design will be employed, enrolling 62 mechanically ventilated patients (≥18 years) from a Neuro ICU. Inclusion criteria include being mechanically ventilated > 24 hours, admitted to the Neuro ICU, ability to provide written informed consent. Exclusion criteria include hearing impairments, severe psychiatric conditions, and deep sedation (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale [RASS] scores of < -3). Pre- and post-measurements of physiological parameters, pain level, RASS scores, and delirium assessment (+/-) will be captured. Delirium will be assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU and analyzed via chi-square tests, while comfort will be measured through Kolcaba’s Comfort Behavior Checklist with comparisons made using an independent t -test. An alpha level of 0.05 will determine statistical significance.
RESULTS: This study aims to close the gap between research and clinical practice by investigating the effect of music therapy in improving comfort and reducing delirium among mechanically ventilated Neuro ICU patients.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Incorporating music therapy into routine nursing care could offer a simple, non-invasive approach to enhance patient comfort, potentially mitigate delirium episode in the neuro ICU, promote holistic care, and support recovery in critical care settings.
Music Intervention for Delirium and Comfort in Mechanically Ventilated Neuroscience ICU Patients
INTRODUCTION: Mechanically ventilated patients in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) face a high risk of discomfort and delirium due to the complex nature of their critical condition, invasive procedures, and communication barriers. Delirium is linked with prolonged hospital stays and poorer outcomes, making it a critical focus of nursing care. Existing literature highlights the potential benefits of music therapy as a nonpharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety, stress, and delirium in ICU patients, there remains a knowledge gap regarding patient-centered music interventions in Mechanically Ventilated Neuro ICU population.
METHOD: This study aims to address this gap by implementing a 60-minute daily individualized music therapy protocol and evaluating its effects on delirium and patient comfort. A randomized controlled trial design will be employed, enrolling 62 mechanically ventilated patients (≥18 years) from a Neuro ICU. Inclusion criteria include being mechanically ventilated > 24 hours, admitted to the Neuro ICU, ability to provide written informed consent. Exclusion criteria include hearing impairments, severe psychiatric conditions, and deep sedation (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale [RASS] scores of < -3). Pre- and post-measurements of physiological parameters, pain level, RASS scores, and delirium assessment (+/-) will be captured. Delirium will be assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU and analyzed via chi-square tests, while comfort will be measured through Kolcaba’s Comfort Behavior Checklist with comparisons made using an independent t -test. An alpha level of 0.05 will determine statistical significance.
RESULTS: This study aims to close the gap between research and clinical practice by investigating the effect of music therapy in improving comfort and reducing delirium among mechanically ventilated Neuro ICU patients.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Incorporating music therapy into routine nursing care could offer a simple, non-invasive approach to enhance patient comfort, potentially mitigate delirium episode in the neuro ICU, promote holistic care, and support recovery in critical care settings.