EVALUATING THE RISK OF DELIRIUM IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS IN COVID-19 INTENSIVE CARE: A PROSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Delirium is dangerous, often preventable, and associated with a high financial burden and increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of delirium in elderly inpatients in COVID-19 intensive care units. Materials and Method: This study used a prospective and observational design. Between July and November 2022, 49 intensive care patients were admitted to a training and research hospital in northeast Turkey. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool, Ramsay Sedation Scale, and Nursing-Delirium Screening Scale. Results: The patients' mean age was 76.908.29 years. The longer the length of stay in the intensive care unit, the incidence of delirium increased. The incidence of delirium increased in patients aged 70-95 years (p=0.007). Patients with delirium experienced insomnia and agitation and used more sedative drugs (p<0.05). The predictors of early delirium were sedation (beta=0.869), agitation (beta=0.582), and diastolic blood pressure (beta=0.258). The predictors of delirium were pain (beta=-0.599) and sedation (beta=0.267). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that older age, agitation, sedation, pain, and diastolic blood pressure predicted delirium in elderly COVID-19 inpatients. It is necessary to identify and eliminate risk factors to reduce the risk of delirium in elderly patients. Nurses should play an active role in identifying and managing delirium in elderly COVID-19 patients.