Non-pharmacological interventions to support the cognitive rehabilitation of patients admitted to the intensive care unit: An umbrella review.

Background: Critically ill patients experience cognitive impairment throughout their intensive care unit trajectory, in the acute phase and the long-term alike. Cognitive impairment may negatively impact patients' quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes.

Aim: To provide an overall examination of literature concerning non-pharmacological interventions that can enhance cognitive functioning in critically ill patients or facilitate their rehabilitation pathway during and after their intensive care unit stay.

Study design: This study was conducted as an umbrella review. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, PubMed and PsychINFO, including all types of peer-reviewed research syntheses published between 2008 and 2023. Eligible studies had to describe interventions capable of improving adult patients' cognitive functioning or supporting their cognitive rehabilitation process throughout the intensive care unit trajectory. All eligible research syntheses were screened systematically; those included were critically appraised.

Result: Based on 13 research syntheses, this review summarizes rehabilitative interventions that may be delivered during different phases of critical illness and recovery, in relation to content, delivery and timing. Interventions were: (1) cognitive activities and training, (2) mobilization and physical exercises, (3) emotional, psychological and social support and (4) information.

Conclusion: Due to limited evidence, no definitive conclusion can be drawn about which type of intervention is most supportive or effective. Additionally, no recommendations can be made about the optimal timing for intervention delivery.

Relevance to clinical practice: Clinicians involved in developing and implementing cognitive rehabilitation measures should consider designing individualized, multicomponent interventions with a focus on content, delivery and timing.