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. 2021 Aug 16;47(10):1089–1103. doi: 10.1007/s00134-021-06503-1
Delirium is a common problem in the ICU that is often undiagnosed if not screened for with a validated tool. It is an independent predictor of outcomes that matter, including increased health care costs, duration of ICU and hospital stay, mortality, and long-term cognitive impairment. Evidence supports the best approach to reducing the burden of this problem for our patients is not a specific drug, but rather embracing a nonpharmacological bundle of safety steps summarized in the ABCDEF (A2F) bundle. The A2F focuses on managing delirium causes, reducing sedation/ventilation/immobility, incorporating family, and rehumanizing critical care.