Ms Meghan Sfara2, Ms Sharon Neale1, Ms Claire del Rio1, A/Prof. Danielle Hitch1,2
1Western Health, St. Albans, Australia, 2Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
Biography:
Sharon Neale is an Occupational Therapist at Western Health, Melbourne. Australia. She has 24 years’ experience specialising in inpatient subacute care and has in recent years developed an interest in aged care and delirium prevention and management.
Abstract:
Delirium is characterised by acute cognitive changes due to an underlying medical case and is frequently encountered by allied health professionals in acute, subacute, community and age care services. In Australia, 10%-18% of older patients have delirium upon admission, and a further 2%-8% develop it during their stay. Research indicates that multicomponent interventions can reduce delirium incidence, but they remain underutilised in Australian healthcare.
This presentation describes a study that investigated the feasibility of an occupational therapy led multicomponent delirium intervention in an acute Australian setting. The study evaluated service and functional outcomes for patients with delirium and at risk of hospital-acquired delirium who received an Environmental Checklist intervention versus those who did not. Data was also collected about perspectives on the Checklist from multidisciplinary team members. The Checklist was trialled on acute and subacute wards for two weeks across two phases.
A records audit (n=40) found that patients with delirium receiving the Checklist intervention experienced fewer code greys (incidents of aggression) and 1:1 nursing. Survey responses (n=21 pre, n=17 post) revealed the multidisciplinary team viewed the Checklist as appropriate and feasible. Focus groups and interviews (n=12) reported the major barriers to implemented included time constraints and competing demands, while family involvement was a key facilitator. This study offers preliminary evidence of the benefits of a novel allied health led delirium management intervention, which has the potential to make a significant impact on this significant practice issue.