CO06 | Effectiveness of a delirium prevention programme in an Internal Medicine ward

D. Bergamo, G. Babini, E. Cane, A. Rossi, M.L. Russo, P. Pasquino | Medicina Interna, Ospedale Santa Croce di Moncalieri, ASL TO5, Italy

Premises and Purpose of the study: Delirium is extremely common in the adult hospitalised patient and has negative consequences. In our study we evaluate the ability of a non-drug multifactorial intervention to prevent the onset of delirium in a hospitalised population at risk.
Materials and Methods: Between April and June 2023, all patients admitted to our ward were assessed for the risk of developing delirium during their hospitalisation. Patients at risk of delirium were monitored by daily administration of the 4ATtest and were admitted to a delirium prevention area, where a multidisciplinary prevention intervention was implemented, or to the general ward. The intervention included cognitive reconditioning (each room was equipped with a calendar, a clock and occupational therapy materials), a non-drug sleep hygiene programme (reducing noise, lights and non-essential care activities at night, offering an evening hot drink), extended visiting time for relatives and an early mobilisation programme.
Results: Forty-six patients were included in the study. Delirium occurred in two patients admitted to the delirium prevention area (incidence 8.7%) and in four patients in the general ward (incidence 17.4%). These results agree with a recent systemic review by the Cochrane.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that a non-pharmacological multidisciplinary intervention can reduce the incidence of delirium, thus enhancing the quality of care provided. This study is just the starting point for extending to the whole ward a delirium prevention programme that has proven effective in preventing delirium.