Published online Mar 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i3.113594
Revised: October 20, 2025
Accepted: December 1, 2025
Published online: March 19, 2026
Processing time: 168 Days and 0.4 Hours
Auditory hallucinations are common among patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, are often linked to sedation and stress, and may prolong recovery. As such, effective nonpharmacological nursing strategies are required.
To explore and evaluate the clinical effectiveness of non-pharmacological psy
Retrospective clinical data from 110 patients with auditory hallucinations while undergoing mechanical ventilation were divided into 2 groups (n = 55 each): study (bundled rehabilitation nursing), and control (routine care). The Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales (HAM-A and HAM-D, respectively) were used to assess changes in hallucinations and psychological status. Duration of mechanical ventilation, single auditory hallucinations, and hospital stay were compared. Sedation levels were assessed using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.
The study group exhibited significantly shorter mean duration of mechanical ventilation (6.56 ± 1.13 days), single hallucinations (3.34 ± 1.08 minutes), and hospital stay (12.22 ± 1.07 days) compared with the control group (8.03 ± 1.04 days, 5.13 ± 1.22 min, and 14.18 ± 1.27 days, respectively) (P < 0.05). After nursing intervention(s), both groups exhibited reduced Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale, HAM-A, and HAM-D scores; however, the reductions were more pronounced in the intervention group (P < 0.05), with no significant baseline differences (P > 0.05). The study group exhibited lower Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores both at and after extubation (P < 0.05). Satisfaction with nursing care was higher in the intervention group (92.72%) than in the control group (76.36%) (P < 0.05).
Bundled rehabilitation nursing interventions for auditory hallucinations in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation effectively improve hallucination symptoms and psychological status, shorten mechanical ventilation and hospitalization, promote recovery, and enhance patient satisfaction.
Core Tip: Results of this study demonstrated that bundled rehabilitation nursing interventions significantly improved outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients experiencing auditory hallucinations. These non-pharmacological strategies reduced the duration of hallucinations, anxiety, and depression scores. Moreover, they shortened mechanical ventilation and hospitalization, and enhanced patient satisfaction with nursing care. These findings provide evidence supporting the integration of structured psychiatric nursing care into critical care protocols to address psychological distress in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, promote faster recovery, and reduce reliance on pharmacological interventions.