Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1100-8454

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Richelle Gray

Committee Co-Chair

Allison Collins

Committee Member

Kayleigh Nolan

Committee Member

Heather Livengood

Abstract

Those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) commonly experience deficits in areas linked with cognition, mental health, and physical functioning (Rapolthy-Beck et al., 2023). Delirium is the most common complication among individuals who are mechanically ventilated, which can be associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality, cognitive decline, and decreased functional outcomes (Martinez et al., 2017). The primary purpose of the capstone project was to create a sensory-based program for patients admitted into the ICU. The program aimed to enhance the quality and consistency of care, ultimately reducing the prevalence of delirium. By doing so, it seeks to improve a patient’s quality of life and functional outcomes. A cohort design was implemented, and participants were followed over 6 weeks, with 8 control participants and 8 protocol participants. Participants included in the protocol had a shorter mean length of stay, length of intubation, and higher mean Glasgow Coma Scale scores upon discharge compared to those receiving standard care. Overall, participants benefited from consistent routines and involvement with occupational therapy, demonstrated by the decreased length of stay, decreased length of intubation, and higher Glasgow Coma Scale.

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