Family ICU Delirium Detection Study

Study Summary:

Delirium is an acute onset brain syndrome disorder where patients are inattentive, may be confused, disoriented, or have an altered level of consciousness. Patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) may be exposed to a number factors (e.g., pain, sedatives, dehydration, recent surgery, isolation, and mechanical ventilation) that put them at increased risk for delirium. Delirium is associated with negative outcomes in hospital (e.g. longer ICU stay, increased mortality) and in survivors of critical illness (e.g. cognitive impairment as part of post-intensive care syndrome). Family caregivers of critically ill patients may also suffer from stress-related complications known as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Family.

Family delirium detection may help both patients and families through earlier and more accurate recognition of delirium and meaningful family involvement, and therein the potential for better patient and family outcomes through delirium identification using a validated screening tool. A recent systematic review by our group identified two family-administered tools: the Family Confusion Assessment Method (FAM-CAM) and the Sour Seven. Neither tool have been validated in the context of the ICU.

Objectives:

(1) Evaluate the validity and reliability of family-administered tools (FAM-CAM and Sour Seven) to detect delirium in the critically ill.
(2) Evaluate the depression and anxiety in family caregivers of critically ill patients with and without delirium.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kirsten Fiest

Study Team: Christian Farrier, Dr. Karla Krewulak, Dr. Parsons LeighBrianna Rosgen, Bonnie Sept, Dr. Thomas Stelfox, Israt Yasmeen, Nubia Zepeda, Cherri Zhang

Additional Resources: ClinicalTrials.gov

Sites: FMC | PLC | RGH | SHC | Other

Type of Research: Health Science