Predicting Delirium in the ICU
The goal of this experiment was to determine the significant contributing factors to delirium in the hospital ICU setting.
**Data Compilation**
The first part of this experiment consisted of the compilation of data using SQL queries of a publicly
available database. The data was then merged using R software and Excel. This large data table was the basis
for the majority of the experiment.
**Data Balancing**
Due to the overwhelming majority of negative labels for delirium (lack of
delirium diagnosis) much of the data had to be balanced by deleting thousands of negative label entries.
**Initial Stages**
The experiment began with a single branch, selecting several columns from the 65 available ones. Multiple
algorithms were tested and the two-class decision jungle appeared to be the most effective and accurate.
**Branching Out**
Using this algorithm as a basis, multiple branches were created within the experiment in order to test which
factors were most significant. We used prior research studies as a baseline from which we determined
which factors would be best to investigate. Some of the factors that we are investigating include:
1. Oxygen Saturation
2. Blood Glucose Levels
3. Psychoses
4. Depression
5. Alcohol Abuse
6. Drug abuse
**Data Analysis**
The results are still being compiled and analyzed. We hope to use the results from this retrospective
analysis in a future study of hospital data in order to predict the development of delirium earlier in the
ICU setting.