Touch Therapy: a complementary treatment for ICU delirium?

Abstract Background: ICU (Intensive Care Unit) delirium is identified as an acute phase of altered neurologic function and is characterized by the presence of inattention, disturbances in cognition, disorganized thinking, and change in mental status (Paixao et al, 2021). One of the predisposing and precipitating factors in developing delirium include sensory deprivation due to prolonged immobilization (Stollings, 2021). Reducing sensory impairment is a key nursing intervention in management of delirium (Kim et al, 2022). Significance: ICU delirium leads to significant cognitive dysfunction which increases patient acuity, invasive treatments, longer time on ventilation, healthcare associated costs, and/or death. Identifying non-pharmacological complementary treatments can prevent and/or reduce the development of delirium. Purpose: The overall purpose of this quantitative research study is to 1) Identify patients at higher risk for sensory deprivation and 2) initiate touch therapy with half of the participants to prove that touch therapy decreases the occurrence and/or symptoms of delirium as part of a multi-component medical management. Literature Review: Studies show that delirium occurs in approximately 50%-80% of the patients admitted to the ICU with the higher incidence occurring in ventilated patients (Colantuoni et al, 2021). Touch therapies are shown to promote health, improve comfort and recovery, and reduce emotions (Alp & Yucel, 2021). Proposed Project: This clinical study will take place over a twelve (12) month period and include the patients at highest risk for developing delirium. Touch therapies will be implemented daily by nurses /or physical therapists with compliance by staff evaluated through daily charting in the patient’s chart. Evaluation: If improvement is shown after the clinical trial, then there will be a decrease in the incidence of delirium among ICU patients. A single-component observational clinical trial would need to be conducted to determine absolute effectiveness of touch therapy for preventative and/or symptomatic reduction of delirium