Factors associated with anxiety in critically ill patients: A prospective observational cohort study

Abstract

This study provides a better understanding of contributing factors for anxiety in the critically ill. Trait anxiety and state anxiety were significantly associated with each other, namely, patients who were anxious by nature experienced higher levels of state anxiety, which persisted throughout their stay in the intensive care unit. Recognising the importance of state and trait anxiety assessments using validated tools and determining ways to manage anxiety in the critically ill are critical aspects of the intensive care nurses role.

Associations of Physician Empathy with Patient Anxiety and Ratings of Communication in Hospital Admission Encounters

“…Studies show that not only do patient anxiety levels remain high throughout a hospital course, patients who experience higher levels of anxiety tend to stay longer in the hospital. 1,2,[27][28][29][30] But unlike oncologic care or other therapy provided in an outpatient setting, the hospitalist model does not facilitate "continuity" of care, or the ability to care for the same patients over a long period of time. This reality of inpatient care makes rapid, effective rapport-building critical to establishing strong physician-patient relationships.…”

“…The number of empathic responses was not associated with encounter length (percent change in encounter length per response 1%; 95% CI, −8%-10%). Admission to a hospital can be a stressful event, 1,2 and patients report having many concerns at the time of hospital admission. 3 Over the last 20 years, the United States has widely adopted the hospitalist model of inpatient care.…”

Music therapy reduces stress and anxiety in critically ill patients: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

“…Anxiety is a common finding in hospitalized patients, and even more in those who are critically ill. It was suggested that up to 80% of patients in the ICU may suffer from anxiety, especially in those undergoing mechanical ventilation 4 . Of note, despite 20 years of advances in the treatment, critically ill patients still report as stressful events of their stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) factors such as pain, the unfamiliar environment, the loss of interaction with friends and their loved ones, the limitation in movements, the lack of sleep 1,[5][6][7][8][9][10] .…”

Pre‐existing mental health disorders in patients admitted to the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prevalence

“…Direct patient questioning has been used to assess ICU research participants for pre‐existing mental health disorders (Castillo et al., 2016). Although this approach does not employ a standardized measure such as a diagnostic criteria, it would readily translate into clinical practice.…”