A recent study shows that nursing teams in intensive care units (ICU) can help patients avoid delirium following post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Scientists implemented a new practice called the Awakening and Breathing Coordination, Delirium Monitoring and Management, and Early Mobility (ABCDE) bundle, which nurses used to care for PTSD patients. Although the treatment is complex, researchers believe it has the potential to greatly reduce the amount of time patients spend in ICU units as well as prevent symptoms of early onset delirium.

"There are instances of patients who suffered delirium in the ICU experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder after going home," William Burke, leader of the study, told Nurse.com. "As healthcare providers, we must do everything we can to ensure our patients' rapid return to health and help them avoid any trauma."

Because nurses spend the most time with ICU patients, researchers considered them to be the best candidates for administering the ABCDE bundle. They are the link of communication between scientists and patients, providing a personal touch to the latest healthcare research.