EVALUATING THE RISK OF DELIRIUM IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS IN COVID-19 INTENSIVE CARE: A PROSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Delirium is dangerous, often preventable, and associated with a high financial burden and increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of delirium in elderly inpatients in COVID-19 intensive care units. Materials and Method: This study used a prospective and observational design. Between July and November 2022, 49 intensive care patients were admitted to a training and research hospital in northeast Turkey. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool, Ramsay Sedation Scale, and Nursing-Delirium Screening Scale. Results: The patients’ mean age was 76.90±8.29 years. The longer the length of stay in the intensive care unit, the incidence of delirium increased. The incidence of delirium increased in patients aged 70–95 years (p=0.007). Patients with delirium experienced insomnia and agitation and used more sedative drugs (p<0.05). The predictors of early delirium were sedation (β=0.869), agitation (β=-0.582), and diastolic blood pressure (β=0.258). The predictors of delirium were pain (β=-0.599) and sedation (β=0.267). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that older age, agitation, sedation, pain, and diastolic blood pressure predicted delirium in elderly COVID-19 inpatients. It is necessary to identify and eliminate risk factors to reduce the risk of delirium in elderly patients. Nurses should play an active role in identifying and managing delirium in elderly COVID-19 patients. Keywords: COVID-19; Delirium; Aged; Intensive Care.