The relationship of delirium and risk factors for cardiology intensive care unit patients with the nursing workload

Aims and objectives To evaluate the relationship of delirium and risk factors for cardiology intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the nursing workload. Background Delirium is a common syndrome in patients with cardiac problems. The risk factors causing delirium and the presence and type of delirium affect the nurse workload and patient care quality adversely. Design This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 133 patients staying at the cardiology ICU of a university hospital between 5 January–31 March 2017. Method The study data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Delirium Risk Factors' Form and Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System‐28 (TISS‐28) scale to identify the nurse workload. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using frequency, chi‐square, Mann–Whitney U, correlation and regression analyses. Results It was found that patients who developed delirium were 65 years or older, they had more nasogastric/total parenteral nutrition (NG/TPN), benzodiazepine and physical restraints in comparison with those with no delirium development, and that the prevalence of hypoxia and hypoalbuminemia were higher in these patients. The mean TISS‐28 score was higher in patients with delirium, compared with those without delirium. There was a positive correlation between the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores and the mean TISS‐28 score of the patients. The mean TISS‐28 score was found to significantly increase with being at the age of 65 and above and the administration of mechanical ventilation. The patients with delirium required a mean of 60‐min additional care. Conclusions Our study results suggest that the presence of delirium and the delirium risk factors, irrespective of delirium, increase the nurse workload. Relevance to clinical practice An effective management of delirium risk factors can improve the patient care quality by reducing delirium occurrence and nurse workload.