Short summary

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a well-recognized complication following anesthesia and surgery. The causes of POD are multifactorial. The Safe Brain Initiative (SBI) outlines 18 specific recommendations regarding precipitating factors. The aim of this study is to monitor selected factors in a database to monitor in order to enhance transparency and support the development of clinical practice.

Rationale

Postoperative delirium (POD) is an acute condition that may arise within hours or days after a surgical procedure. The reported incidence of POD ranges from 15% to 53% among older patients. The etiology of POD is multifactorial, involving both patient-related factors and chronic systemic diseases-as well as perioperative factors. SBI is an international research and quality improvement project focused on the prevention of perioperative risk factors. SBI outlines 18 specific recommendations addressing precipitating factors. The aim of this study is to monitor, highlight, and enhance clinical practice in these domains.

Description of the cohort

All patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery at Odense University Hospital. The Safe Brain Initiative OUH includes 250 patients, with additional clusters of 250 patients expected to be enrolled in subsequent follow-up projects.

Data and biological material

Patient-reported outcome data is registered in a standardized registration form and subsequently entered into REDCap.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Thoracic Anaesthesiology, Rigshospitalet

• Clinical Specialist Carsten M. Pedersen