Improving care for ICU patients to reduce delirium

Modified Hospital Elder Life Program at Intensive Care Unit: A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT06054828

This study is testing a new program in ICUs to see if it can help reduce delirium in patients on mechanical ventilation by improving their mental engagement, physical activity, and nutrition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment266 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei, National Taiwan University)
Trial IDNCT06054828 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to implement a modified Hospital Elder Life Program (mHELP@ICU) in intensive care units to address ICU delirium, which affects a significant number of patients on mechanical ventilation. The intervention focuses on enhancing cognitive engagement, physical activity, and nutritional support for critically ill patients. The study will assess the effectiveness of this nursing-driven intervention in reducing the incidence of delirium and improving patient outcomes, including cognitive function and mortality rates, three months after ICU admission. The research is divided into two phases, with the first phase ensuring accurate delirium assessments by ICU nurses using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are receiving mechanical ventilation and are expected to be intubated for more than 48 hours without pre-existing delirium or coma.

Not a fit: Patients placed on droplet or contact precautions, such as those with open TB, SARS, or COVID-19, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of delirium in ICU patients, leading to better cognitive and functional outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar interventions aimed at reducing ICU delirium, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria of the second phase

* participants who are 18 years old or older.
* participants who receive oral endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation and are expected intubation greater than 48 hours.
* participants are free from delirium or coma before ICU admission.

Exclusion Criteria of the second phase

* participants who are placed on droplet or contact precautions (e.g., Open TB, SARS, COVID-19 )

Where this trial is running

Taipei, National Taiwan University

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ICU DeliriumDeliriumIntensive care unitsInterventionMortalityMobilityCognitive functionStepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.