Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to prevent delirium after cardiac surgery: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Delirium is a syndrome characterised by a disturbance in attention, awareness and cognition as a result of another physical condition. It occurs in up to 50% of patients after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality, prolonged intensive care and hospital stay and long-term cognitive dysfunction. Identifying effective preventive interventions is important.