Effect of Family Intervention on Postoperative Delirium in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Yan Yue, Shuang Liu, Ruben Martin-Payo et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed family interventions to prevent postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. It included 6 randomized controlled trials with 508 patients. Family intervention was associated with a lower incidence of POD than control (risk ratio = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25-0.58, P < .001) and shorter hospital length of stay (standard mean difference = -1.07, 95% CI: -1.91 to -0.24, P < .05). The review also reported improved psychological well-being and caregiver satisfaction.
Key findings
- Family intervention reduced POD incidence (risk ratio = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25-0.58, P < .001).
- Hospital length of stay was shorter with family intervention (standard mean difference = -1.07, 95% CI: -1.91 to -0.24, P < .05).
- Interventions improved psychological well-being and caregiver satisfaction (P < .05).
- Subgroup analyses found no significant outcome differences by family involvement level, age, or sample size.
Why it matters
POD is a serious complication after cardiac surgery, and these pooled trial findings suggest that involving family may help reduce its occurrence while also benefiting patients’ psychological well-being and caregiver satisfaction. The results provide evidence for a nonpharmacological approach in this setting, although the small evidence base means the magnitude and reliability of benefit require further evaluation.
What to keep in mind
The evidence came from only 6 RCTs with 508 patients; the authors call for larger, high-quality trials.