Van Rompaey B, Elseviers MM, Van Drom W, Fromont V, Jorens PG.; Crit Care. 2012 May 4;16(3):R73. [Epub ahead of print]
INTRODUCTION: This study hypothesised that a sound reduction during the night using earplugs could be beneficial in the prevention of intensive care delirium. Two research questions were formulated. First, does the use of earplugs during the night reduce the onset of delirium or confusion in the ICU? Second, does the use of earplugs during the night improve the quality of sleep in the ICU?
METHODS: A randomised clinical trial included adult intensive care patients in an intervention group of 69 patients sleeping with earplugs during the night, and a control group of 67 patients sleeping without earplugs during the night. The researchers were blinded during data collection. Assignment was performed by an independent nurse researcher using a computer program. Eligible patients had an expected length of stay in the ICU over 24 hours, were Dutch or English speaking and scoring a minimum Glasgow Coma Scale of 10. Delirium was assessed using the validated NEECHAM scale, sleep perception was reported by the patient in response to five questions.
RESULTS: The use of earplugs during the night lowered the incidence of confusion in the studied intensive care patients. A vast improvement was shown by a Hazard Ratio of 0.47 (95%CI 0.27-0.82). Also, patients sleeping with earplugs developed confusion later than the patients sleeping without earplugs. After the first night in the ICU, patients sleeping with earplugs reported a better sleep perception.
CONCLUSIONS: Earplugs may be a useful instrument in the prevention of confusion or delirium. The beneficial effects seem to be strongest within 48 hours after admission. The relation between sleep, sound and delirium, however, needs further research. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN36198138.
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