Ikke-farmakologisk primær forebygging er foretrukket; imidlertid er en viss grad av delirium uunngåelig på intensiv avdelinger.

ENGELSK:

Although there are no data on primary prevention (non-pharmacologic) trials in the ICU, the data in non-ICU settings focuses on minimizing risk factors.The strategies include the following interventions:

- repeated reorientation of patients

- provisions of cognitively stimulating activities for the patients multiple times a day

- a non-pharmacological sleep protocol

- early mobilization activities

- range of motion exercises

- timely removal of catheters and physical restraints

- use of eye glasses and magnifying lenses

- hearing aids and earwax disimpaction

- early correction of dehydration

- use of a scheduled pain management protocol

- minimization of unnecessary noise/stimuli

Strategies for the prevention and management of delirium in the ICU are important areas for future investigation.