Use of eye masks and earplugs in intensive care units: systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric disorder but underdiagnosed in intensive care units due to the different presentations it can manifest. Nurses have an important role to play in preventing its onset and promoting sleep in their patients.

AIM: To describe the efficacy of the use of eye masks and earplugs in adult patients admitted to intensive care units on sleep quality and the development of delirium.

METHODS

Systematic literature review of randomized clinical trials. During June and July 2024, the CINHAL, ScienceDirect, Medline, LILACS, ProQuest, Web of Science, and BioMed Central databases were consulted, applying filters based on time period, population, type of study, topic, and scientific journal. Studies were selected that analyzed the use of eye masks and earplugs as nursing care and whose methodological quality achieved a medium-high score using the CASPe tool.

RESULTS

We found (N = 3742) studies. After applying filtering and selection criteria, a total of eight (n = 8) clinical trials were collected. With a total of 611 participants, it was observed that the use of eye masks and earplugs improved subjective sleep quality, while the data obtained on the incidence of delirium reflected an inconclusive result for its prevention due to the heterogeneity of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies indicate that the use of sleep masks and earplugs in intensive care unit patients can improve sleep quality and reduce delirium. However, comfort and tolerance vary among patients, and it is crucial to consider duration of use and removals only for short periods of time. Although some studies show significant benefits, others find no relevant differences, suggesting the need for further research to optimize its use. The review has not received any funding.