Preventing delirium in an acute hospital using a non-pharmacological intervention

• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afs060
• Publication Date: 2012-05-16T04:33:56Z
• Authors: F. T. Martinez; C. Tobar; C. I. Beddings; G. Vallejo; P. Fuentes
• Keywords: Confusion

Background: delirium is a clinical syndrome associated with multiple short and long-term complications therefore prevention an essential part of its management. This study was designed to assess the efficacy multicomponent intervention in prevention. Methods: total 287 hospitalised patients at intermediate or high risk developing were randomised receive non-pharmacological delivered by family members (144 patients) standard management (143 patients). The primary outcome occurrence any time during course hospitalisation. Three validated observers performed event adjudication using confusion assessment method screening instrument. Results: there no significant differences baseline characteristics between two groups. occurred 5.6% group 13.3% control (relative risk: 0.41; confidence interval: 0.19–0.92; P = 0.027). Conclusion: results this show that benefit members, when compared condition.