[Path Analysis for Delirium on Patient Prognosis in Intensive Care Units]

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Delirium is a common and serious condition in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Understanding the factors contributing to delirium and its impact on patient outcomes is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between delirium, its risk factors, and patient prognosis.
• To apply Donabedian's structure-process-outcome model to analyze delirium in critical care.

Main Methods:

• Path analysis design using electronic medical record data.
• Random selection of 500 patients with and without delirium from medical and surgical ICUs.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS 20 and AMOS 24.

Main Results:

• Key risk factors for delirium include emergency department admission, age >65, unconsciousness, dependent activities, abnormal vital signs, pressure ulcer risk, enteral nutrition, and restraint use.
• Delirium directly impacts hospital mortality, length of stay, and discharge disposition.
• Risk factors indirectly influence patient prognosis through their effect on delirium.

Conclusions:

• Interventions to reduce delirium can improve patient prognosis.
• Strategies such as early ambulation, prompt removal of medical devices, and minimizing restraint use are recommended.
• Continuous cognitive stimulation and monitoring are vital for delirium prevention and improved outcomes.