School of Nursing: Effective Interventions for Delirium in Acute Care

This report provides a comprehensive synthesis of research concerning effective interventions for preventing and reducing delirium in the acute hospital setting. The assignment explores various intervention strategies, including pharmacological, non-pharmacological, behavioral, and environmental approaches, to mitigate the incidence of delirium. The report analyzes studies on sleep disorders, pain management, and the use of sedatives and analgesics, highlighting the importance of addressing risk factors such as sleep deprivation and pain. Key findings emphasize the effectiveness of multi-component interventions, educational programs, and environmental modifications, such as noise and light reduction, in improving patient outcomes. The synthesis incorporates research from databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, evaluating study designs, methodologies, and levels of evidence to provide a robust overview of the current state of knowledge and offers recommendations for healthcare professionals to implement evidence-based practices in acute care settings. The report underscores the need for proactive delirium management to enhance patient care and reduce complications such as falls, cognitive decline, and prolonged hospital stays.