Delirium is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome with an acute onset and fluctuating course which is presented in 15 to 20% of patients admitted to general wards. It is a potentially life - threatening complication which can be prevented. It is the objective of this randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether a multicomponent environmental intervention could reduce the incidence of delirium in a general medical ward.
A total of 287 patients 65 years of age or older who had been admitted to a general medicine ward and who were at risk of delirium were studied. Eligible patients were randomized to a multicomponent environmental intervention or standard care. Both groups were well balanced in patients characteristics and followed during the full hospital stay by a group trained in the application of the confusion assessment method to detect incident delirium.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
287
The environmental intervention consisted of daily reorientation, avoidance of sensorial deprivation, longer visiting hours, the availability of a clock, a calendar and the presence of familiar objects in the room.
Delirium management by the attending physician's preferences.
Hospital Naval Almirante Nef
Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, Chile
Incidence of Delirium
New episodes of delirium during the hospital stay
Time frame: Daily during the entire hospital stay (Average: 10 days, Maximum: 42 days)
Incidence of Falls
New episodes of Falls
Time frame: Daily during the entire hospital stay (Average: 10 days, Maximum: 42 days
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