Delirium After Cardiac Surgery in Intensive Care Units

STUDY SUMMARY STUDY DESIGN The study will be conducted over twelve months in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (ICHT). This study is a mixed methods research design that includes the collection of data through qualitative interviews, quality-of-life questionnaires and patients' medical records. AIMS * Determine the incidence of ICU delirium in ICHT following cardiac surgery * Explore the compliance of outcome measures that diagnose ICU delirium * Implement a family-focused sensory stimulation programme in the ICU * Evaluate its useability and potential impact on patients, families and ICU staff STUDY POPULATION 30 study participants (12 patients, 12 family members/friends and 6 ICU nurses) ELIGIBILITY Study eligibility criteria are specific for each care group (patients, family members/friends and ICU nurses). DURATION 12 months at Hammersmith Hospital, ICHT