A Correlation Between Parental Visitation Neglect and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Psychosis: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Pediatric intensive care unit psychosis is a serious disorder where patients experience anxiety, hallucinations, delirium, and other symptoms, setting them back in their recovery process during their hospital stay.

Purpose: This study is an integrative literature review aimed at the use of evidence based practices to establish the most effective solution in preventing ICU psychosis in pediatric patients, and discovering if parental presence is a factor to successful recovery.

Methods: WorldCat.org, MEDLINE, ABI/INFORM Complete, Academic Search Complete, OAlster, PsycARTICLES, ERIC, Business Source Complete, and Computers & Applied Sciences Complete were searched using the keywords pediatric, intensive care unit, and psychosis.

Results: This topic has not been studied well however; the literature review examined various factors that impact the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the pediatric patient in a hospital care setting.

Conclusion: Because both external stimuli and parental presence have unique roles in the psychosocial support of pediatric patients in the ICU setting, the nurse needs to address all aspects in providing a relaxing environment necessary for recovery. These interventions will help identify early signs and symptoms of ICU psychosis, and prevent their increase early.

Keywords: pediatric, intensive care unit, psychosis