Title: Training on Intensive Care Related Delirium: An Education Topic

Author:
Kate Heyman, OTD, OTR/L

JACOT Volume 4, Issue 1

Abstract

The intensive care unit (ICU) setting has a prevalence of ICU delirium, which has been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, days on a ventilator, and hospital length of stay. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners embody the skill set that is needed to help prevent ICU related delirium, as well as provide interventions to treat ICU delirium. However, at this institution there was no formalized education surrounding ICU delirium in the Department of Rehabilitation Services. This project aimed to address the current knowledge and training gap that existed by implementing ICU delirium education for ICU OT practitioners. An asynchronous presentation was developed, and included information on risk factors, signs and symptoms, types of delirium, functional outcomes, prevention and treatment methods, and the role of OT. Additionally, a supplemental ICU delirium orientation checklist was created to support training and orientation to this specialized area of the hospital. Results of a post-presentation questionnaire were positive and had many commonalities in feedback. The results support the need for ICU delirium education as part of the standard ICU orientation process. This education would be beneficial across rehabilitation disciplines, as well as across other campuses within this health care institution. In this scholarly education topic, considerations for developing educational resources related to ICU delirium monitoring and management will be explored.