Short summary

The aim of this project is to evaluate if implementation of a systematic screening procedure to detect delirium among hospitalised older patients increases caregivers', nurses' and physicians' awareness and knowledge of delirium. 

Rationale

Delirium is characterized by acute changes in mental status and a fluctuating course, with disturbances in attention, awareness, and cognition. Delirium is common among older hospitalised patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Delirium among hospitalied patients often remains unrecognised or misdiagnosed. Several psychometric instruments to detect delirium in older hospitalised patients have been developed and clinical guidelines recommend screening of older hospitalised patients with a psychometric instrument to decrease the proportion of cases with unrecognized delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a psychometric instrument designed to detect delirium based on four cardinal features of delirium. The instrument has been validated against a gold standard, and high diagnostic accuracy has been demonstrated. However, the accuracy of the instrument is highly affected by the training status of the interviewer. Despite the accuracy of CAM in clinical use is questionable a potential effect of systematic screening for delirium is increased awareness and knowledge of delirium among health care professionals.

Description of the cohort

Caregivers, nurses and doctors employed at the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Svendborg.

Data and biological material

Data are collected from a questionnaire distributed to the employees before and after implementation of delirium screening. 

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Svendborg

• Physician Katja Thomsen, PhD
• Physician Søren Kabell Nissen
• Chief Consultant Søren Jakobsen