Frame of referenceDelirium is one of the most frequent clinical conditions in Intensive Care Units (ICU), which has been associated with an increase in mortality. The present study aims to demonstrate whether the application of non-pharmacological measures reduces the appearance of this entity in non-ventilated adult patients admitted to a level II ICU. It was found that the application of non-pharmacological measures was associated with a reduction in the risk of developing delirium in clinical, although not statistical, terms. We recommend studies with a larger sample size. IntroductionDelirium is a predictor of mortality and one of the most frequent syndromes in ICUs. ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of the application of non-pharmacological measures vs. standard care in reducing delirium in non-ventilated adult patients admitted to the ICU of the Las Lajas Clinic between June 2015 and March 2016. DesignClinical trial with random distribution, blinded to the investigator. ScopeThe study was carried out in a level II ICU, where both patients with medical and surgical illnesses are admitted. ParticipantsEligible patients were adult patients admitted to the Las Lajas Clinic ICU (over 18 years of age), with an expectation of stay in the unit greater than 24 h and Glasgow coma scale ≥ 13, patients who filled out informed consent. Patients who used sedatives, with dementia, delirium or confusion and patients without Medical prognosis were excluded. 168 patients were eligible, of which 145 patients participated in the study. InterventionIn the intervention group, non-pharmacological measures were applied (putting on a mask, ear plugs and an early mobilization protocol was applied), the control group was conventional management continued (no mask placement, no earplugs, and physical therapy was continued as indicated by the treating physician 1 to 2 times a day). The duration of the intervention was during the time they remained in the unit or until the outcome occurred. Main variables of interestPresentation of delirium, patient mortality at 7 days, length of stay in the ICU. ResultsThe population median age was 62 years and the median age in the group that developed delirium was 81 years. The proportion of patients who developed delirium in the control group it was 10.3%, while the intervention group was 3.0%. Applying these measures was associated with a reduction in the risk of developing delirium (RR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.06-1.32 p = 0.107). Likewise, it was found that the number needed to treat to avoid an episode of delirium was 13. ConclusionsIn our study, the application of non-pharmacological measures was not associated with a decrease in the appearance of delirium. Studies with a sample size are recommended.