A quality improvement project to reduce the incidence of delirium using delirium recognition and delirium prevention protocol by critical care nurses among adult inpatients of a Critical Care Unit in a tertiary care hospital India

This Ph.D. research project aims to reduce the incidence of delirium among adult ICU inpatients through the development and implementation of an evidence-based delirium recognition and prevention protocol by critical care nurses in a tertiary care hospital in India. Using a quantitative approach and the Plan Do Study Act  quality improvement model, the study will assess current practices, barriers, and facilitators, and then introduce interventions such as CAM ICU-based screening, cognitive orientation, early mobilization, family involvement, and sleep promotion. Data will be collected in three phases including baseline assessment, protocol development, and protocol implementation across multiple PDSA cycles. Outcome measures include changes in delirium incidence and adherence to protocol, supported by both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The study expects to improve the quality of care and reduce delirium rates by 50 percent from baseline through active participation and sensitization of ICU nurses.