P27 | Can we improve delirium prevention and treatment in Internal Medicine?

S. Brovarone, M. Pizzaguerra, G. Pivano | Nuovo Ospedale degli Infermi, ASL Biella, Italy

Premises and Purpose of the study: Delirium is a multidimensional syndrome, in hospital approximately 1 patient in 5 is affected by it, the 4AT is one of the simplest and shortest detection tools. The study evaluates the incidence and characteristics of delirium episodes in patients in Biella’s Internal Medicine department. The data collected will then be used to create a protocol aimed at early identification of patients at risk and prevention.
Materials and Methods: Initially, an observational study was performed on the onset and characteristics of delirium in patients from 11/12/23 to 31/12/23. The 4AT scale was administered by the nursing staff upon entry to the ward to stratify the risk of developing delirium from 01/01/24 to 20/01/24.
Results: Of 35 patients (F 17;M18) hospitalized between 11 and 31/12/2023, 13 (37%) developed delirum. This sample had an average age of 79.6 years with a preponderance of females (5 M;9 F). 46% had a previous diagnosis of cognitive impairment. The developed deliruim was predominantly hyperkinetic (10), followed by mixed (2). Among those hospitalized from 01/01/24 to 20/01/24 i.e. 37 patients (19 M;18 F), we administered the 4 AT card to 13 patients (9 M;4F) with an average age of 82.7 years. In 3 people the 4ATscore was equal to 4, while seven had a score between 1 and 3. Among the 13 patients, five hyperkinetic-only delirium episodes were highlighted. Four in patients with a 4AT score of 4.
Conclusions: We therefore propose that the 4AT be included among the assessment tools upon patient admission, incorporating it into the nursing routine.