Analysis of relationships between the sound environment at the intensive care unit (ICU) and early signs of ICU delirium

High sound levels related to medical equipment and high activity day and night, is a wellknown phenomenon in intensive care units (ICUs). This may result in poor sleep and prolonged recovery for the patients but may also be a precipitating factor for intensive care delirium (ICU delirium).The aim of this pilot study was to describe patients' responses to the sound environment in an ICU and to identify patients' early signs of ICU delirium. Twenty patients from a general Swedish ICU were invited to participate in the project. Data from patients' records and observation protocols were collected and interviews with the patients were made after discharge from the ICU. Data were analysed by using both qualitative and quantitative content analysis. Findings from the analysis of sound registrations, documents and patients' interviews will be reported.