Effects of Earplugs and Eye Masks on the Onset of Delirium in a Neuro-Critical Care Unit, Egypt

Background: Delirium is a common syndrome in critical care settings. It is caused by a disturbance of the cognitive function in the brain. Non-pharmacological measures such as wearing earplugs and eye Masks could be beneficial in the prevention of delirium by creating relaxing effects. Aim of this Study: was to assess the use of earplugs and eye masks on the onset of delirium during the night in NeuroCritical Care Units (NCCUs). Material and Methods: Two groups Quasi -experimental research design was used to carry out the research included 66 critically ill adult patients. Random Assignment was performed by the nurse researcher using a computer program. Eligible patients had an expected ICU length of stay more than 24 hours, were arabic language speakers and got Glasgow coma scale of at least 14. The underlying intervention in the study group included patients' who wear both earplugs and eye masks during the night for three consecutive days. The control group patients were sleeping without earplugs and eye masks during the night. Patients' characteristics, environmental risk factors for delirium and the Delirium Screening and Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) were utilized in data collection. Results: High significant statistical difference was found between the study and control groups regarding the presence of delirium on the third day (X2 = 62.118, p = 0.000). Moreover, significant differences were found regarding agitation, sedation, and alertness (X2=40.480, p=0.000). So, the study group demonstrated improvement in their Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) than the control group. Conclusion: Using earplugs and eye masks at night in NCCU have decreased the onset of delirium and improving patients' GCS. Recommendation: Replication of the study on a large probability sample selected from different NCCUs in Egypt. Furthermore, evidence-based protocols for using earplugs and eye masks should be available in prescribed form in different ICU settings.