What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how environmental factors in intensive care units (ICUs), such as noise and light levels, may influence the development of delirium in critically ill adults. Delirium is a serious medical condition involving confusion and cognitive disturbances that can affect patient outcomes and survival. This observational pilot study aims to identify potentially modifiable ICU environmental risks that could improve patient care and ICU design in the future. The study will be conducted at three perioperative ICUs at the University Medical Centre Graz over one year, enrolling 250 to 300 adult patients expected to stay at least two more days in the ICU. Patients who are not deeply sedated and not currently delirious will be included. Noise and ambient brightness levels will be measured repeatedly using sound level meters and lux meters throughout the day. Daily assessments for delirium will be performed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). Vital signs and treatment details will also be recorded daily. Participants will undergo baseline data collection relevant to delirium risk and overall ICU outcomes. Researchers will track environmental noise and light alongside physiological and clinical data to analyze associations with delirium occurrence. Statistical methods, including logistic regression, will be used to identify factors linked to delirium development over a seven-day period. This study does not involve administering treatments but focuses on monitoring and evaluating environmental and clinical parameters in ICU patients.

Light and Noise: Objectively Assessing Environmental Risk Factors for Delirium in the ICU