Xiao YT, Wang XY, Huang J. Analysis of the preventive effect of evidence-based, non-pharmacological care bundles against delirium in intensive care unit patients. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(8): 116766 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.116766]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Juan Huang, MD, Professor, Intensive Care Unit, Chongqing General Hospital, No. 118 Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing 401147, China. joeyn934@126.com
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Psychology
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research-article
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Xiao YT, Wang XY, Huang J. Analysis of the preventive effect of evidence-based, non-pharmacological care bundles against delirium in intensive care unit patients. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(8): 116766 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.116766]
World J Psychiatry. Aug 19, 2026; 16(8): 116766 Published online Aug 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.116766
Analysis of the preventive effect of evidence-based, non-pharmacological care bundles against delirium in intensive care unit patients
Yu-Ting Xiao, Xiao-Yue Wang, Juan Huang
Yu-Ting Xiao, Xiao-Yue Wang, Juan Huang, Intensive Care Unit, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China
Co-first authors: Yu-Ting Xiao and Xiao-Yue Wang.
Author contributions: Xiao YT and Wang XY designed the research, wrote the first manuscript, conducted the analysis and provided guidance for the research as co-first authors; Xiao YT, Wang XY, and Huang J contributed to conceiving the research and analyzing data; all authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Chongqing Municipal Science and Technology Health Joint Medical Research Project (General Program), No. 2023MSXM052.
Institutional review board statement: The study has obtained approval from the Ethics Committee of Chongqing General Hospital.
Informed consent statement: Patients were not required to give informed consent to the study because the analysis used anonymous clinical data that were obtained after each patient agreed to treatment by written consent.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interest in publishing the manuscript.
STROBE statement: The authors have read the STROBE Statement – checklist of items, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the STROBE Statement – checklist of items.
Data sharing statement: No additional data are available.
Corresponding author: Juan Huang, MD, Professor, Intensive Care Unit, Chongqing General Hospital, No. 118 Xingguang Avenue, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing 401147, China. joeyn934@126.com
Received: January 13, 2026 Revised: March 10, 2026 Accepted: April 27, 2026 Published online: August 19, 2026 Processing time: 190 Days and 3.8 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Intensive care unit (ICU)-hospitalized patients have a high risk of developing delirium; however, the related diagnosis and treatment remain inadequate.
AIM
To clarify the preventive effect of evidence-based, non-pharmacological care bundles on delirium in ICU-hospitalized patients.
METHODS
A total of 149 ICU patients (May 2022-May 2025) were enrolled, including 72 patients in the control group receiving routine nursing and 77 patients in the research group receiving evidence-based, non-pharmacological care bundles. Comparative analyses were conducted regarding delirium occurrence (incidence, time of first occurrence, and duration), nursing complications (deep venous thrombosis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and unplanned extubation), clinical indices (mechanical ventilation duration, ICU length of stay, hospitalization time, and sedative duration), cognitive function (Chinese version of the Johns Hopkins Adapted Cognitive Exam), sleep quality (Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire), sedation level (Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale), health status (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II), anxiety and depression (Hamilton Anxiety Scale/Hamilton Depression Scale), and nursing satisfaction.
RESULTS
Compared with the controls, the research group showed lower delirium incidence, fewer overall nursing complications, and shorter time of first delirium occurrence, delirium duration, mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay, and hospitalization time. The research group also demonstrated reduced sedative and analgesic dosages; lower Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Hamilton Depression Scale scores; and higher post-interventional Adapted Cognitive Exam and Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire scores, as well as higher overall nursing satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
Evidence-based, non-pharmacological care bundles are highly effective in preventing delirium in ICU-hospitalized patients.
Core Tip: This study aimed to optimize and strengthen delirium management in intensive care unit-hospitalized patients by implementing evidence-based, non-pharmacological care bundles. Through comprehensive analyses, this model was found to be effective in preventing delirium, reducing nursing-related complications, and accelerating recovery. It also significantly improved cognitive function, sleep quality, and overall health status. The intervention is both safe and effective, with profound clinical implications.
