Implementing a Delirium Risk Stratification Tool and Rounds to Identify and Prevent Delirium in Hospitalized Older Adults

Up to 40% of delirium cases are preventable and early identification is key to improve patient outcomes. A delirium intervention program targeted patients at high-risk for delirium and included patient and nurse education, risk stratification, multi-disciplinary rounds, a non-pharmacological intervention bundle, and a treatment order set. After implementation, there was a reduction in length of stay of 6.3 days (p = .01), a 24% decrease in disposition to a skilled nursing facility (p= .05), and increased detection of delirium by nurses. Positive patient outcomes were achieved by employing a multifactorial approach for delirium identification, prevention, and management. Read the full article after watching this video.