Effect of preoperative video-based digital educational program on incidence of delirium and length of hospital stay following coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium is common after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is associated with prolonged hospitalization and delayed recovery. Non-pharmacological educational interventions may improve outcomes, but evidence on structured video-based education for delirium prevention remains limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a preoperative video-based educational program on postoperative delirium incidence and hospital length of stay among patients undergoing CABG surgery.

METHODS

A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at Queen Alia Heart Institute, Jordan, between October 2025 and January 2026. Adult patients scheduled for elective first-time CABG surgery were randomized into intervention and control groups. Both groups received standardized multidisciplinary preoperative education through the institutional Preoperative Clinic, while the intervention group additionally received an 8-minute structured Arabic video-based educational program. Postoperative delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU).

RESULTS

Among 226 randomized participants, 213 were analyzed (105 intervention; 108 control). Delirium incidence was lower with intervention (7.6%vs 25.0%, p < .001) and remained significantly associated with study group after adjustment (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.08-9.14, p = .036). Hospital stay was shorter in the intervention group unadjusted (8.38 vs 10.58 days, p < .001), but not after adjustment (B = -0.656, p = .182).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative video-based education was associated with lower postoperative delirium incidence, while its association with shorter hospital stay was not maintained after adjustment. Larger multicenter trials are warranted.