The currently reported incidence of delirium in the ICU is 20-50% [6-10]. Furthermore, there are reports that the incidence of delirium in patients after cardiac surgery ranges from 21% to 46% [11-13]. Delirium is linked to higher mortality and increased lengths of stay in the hospital or ICU [14-16], a higher frequency of medical accidents caused by dangerous behavior, and greater medical costs [17]. For these reasons, it is important for medical professions to prevent and detect delirium early in the clinical course and implement appropriate interventions.
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